A New Space Fabric Finds Connections Between Engineering and Fashion
Ellen Smith — May 3, 2017 — Tech
References: jpl.nasa.gov & mashable
NASA engineer Raul Polit Casillas is designing a new space fabric that's both flexible and easy to produce, even in space. The designer's out-of-this-world woven fabric has the potential to protect both astronauts and space crafts through its flexible, and thermal regulating properties.
The fabric has two sides: one that is light reflecting, and the other that's light absorbing. This combination allows for the regulation of thermal energy, meaning NASA can use this technology to help insulate space suits, space crafts, and to protect astronauts or vehicles from threateningly cold climates.
As the son of a Spanish fashion designer, the engineer behind this concept is no stranger to the importance of durable and innovative fabrics. He uses 3D printing techniques to create his new space fabric materiel which is the product of small silver squares strung together, The final result is a fabric that looks like chain mail. The innovative fiber has the potential to change the lives of astronauts, and aims to further advancements in space exploration and design.
The fabric has two sides: one that is light reflecting, and the other that's light absorbing. This combination allows for the regulation of thermal energy, meaning NASA can use this technology to help insulate space suits, space crafts, and to protect astronauts or vehicles from threateningly cold climates.
As the son of a Spanish fashion designer, the engineer behind this concept is no stranger to the importance of durable and innovative fabrics. He uses 3D printing techniques to create his new space fabric materiel which is the product of small silver squares strung together, The final result is a fabric that looks like chain mail. The innovative fiber has the potential to change the lives of astronauts, and aims to further advancements in space exploration and design.
Trend Themes
1. Flexible Space Fabrics - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating fabric materials that are flexible and easy to produce, with applications in space exploration and beyond.
2. Thermal Regulating Fabrics - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in developing fabric materials that regulate thermal energy, offering insulation and protection in extreme environments.
3. 3D Printed Fabrics - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in utilizing 3D printing techniques to create innovative fabric materials with unique properties.
Industry Implications
1. Space Exploration - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating advanced fabric materials for space suits and spacecraft to enhance the safety and performance of astronauts in space.
2. Fashion and Apparel - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in incorporating flexible and thermal regulating fabrics into the fashion and apparel industry for enhanced comfort and functionality.
3. Manufacturing and Textiles - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in revolutionizing the manufacturing and textiles industry by using 3D printing techniques to create intricate and durable fabric materials.
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