NASA validates Kevlar/PBI webbing for high-oxygen lunar and Martian habitats
Tests at White Sands confirmed that a 60% Kevlar/40% PBI webbing from Sturges meets NASA flammability standards in 37% oxygen at 8.2 psia, supporting its use in future Moon and Mars missions.
In preparation for crewed missions that will operate in enriched-oxygen cabins, NASA evaluated a commercially available webbing composed of 60% Kevlar and 40% polybenzimidazole from Sturges Manufacturing. Conducted at White Sands Test Facility, the NASA-STD-6001B Test 1 used a surface-ignition J-configuration and demonstrated that the natural-colored webbing passed at a maximum oxygen concentration of 37% with a pressure of 8.2 psia.
Off-gassing data for the same material were also gathered, confirming compliance with NASA’s compatibility requirements. The findings support the webbing’s suitability for soft-goods applications such as mobility aids, restraint nets, and bag handles on future lunar and Martian habitats, though final performance must be verified in complete hardware configurations. Variations in weave, color, dimensions, or wear could affect flammability and should be assessed before integration.
Why it matters
Ensuring fire-safe textiles for high-oxygen habitats is critical to crew safety on upcoming Moon and Mars missions.
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