4 min readMeagan ChappellJul 31, 2026 Article
Flammability test results for commercial-off-the-shelf webbings that meet NASA flammability requirements are reported for use in elevated oxygen environments anticipated for future lunar and Martian missions. Testing demonstrated that a webbing composed of 60% Kevlar®/40% polybenzimidazole (PBI) from Sturges Manufacturing Company, Inc., specifically the natural version, passed flammability testing per NASA-STD-6001B Test 1 using a surface ignition in J-configuration at 37% oxygen and 8.2 psia. Offgassing data are also provided for the natural webbing, which is gold colored. These findings support their potential use as suitable webbingsfor softgoods applications, although final performance and wear characteristics must be validated in full configuration.
BackgroundAn elevated oxygen environment is planned for future crewed missions to the Moon and Mars to reduce the prebreathe time before extravehicular activities. In this study, materials are being evaluated for use at 37% oxygen and 8.2 psia. An enriched oxygen environment increases the flammability risk and the need for improved fire-resistant materials. The NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) developed a strategy to ensure textile materials that meet NASA flammability requirements in this environment are available to the aerospace community as the building blocks to softgoods flight hardware. The strategy is being implemented by the Mars Campaign Office and Johnson Space Center with support from the NESC. The first phase is testing commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) textiles with high potential to meet flammability requirements.
