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NASA has published flammability test results for commercial-off-the-shelf webbings intended for elevated oxygen environments in future lunar and Martian missions. A webbing composed of 60% Kevlar® and 40% polybenzimidazole (PBI) from Sturges Manufacturing Company, Inc., specifically the natural version, passed NASA-STD-6001B Test 1 at 37% oxygen and 8.2 psia. The testing was conducted at the White Sands Test Facility using a surface ignition method in J-configuration, with offgassing data also provided for the natural webbing, which is gold in color.

The elevated oxygen environment is planned to reduce prebreathe time before extravehicular activities on the Moon and Mars. This environment increases flammability risk, necessitating fire-resistant materials. NASA’s Engineering and Safety Center developed a strategy to ensure textile materials meet flammability requirements, implemented by the Mars Campaign Office and Johnson Space Center with NESC support. The first phase involved testing commercial-off-the-shelf textiles with high potential to meet these requirements.

Narrow woven fabrics, commonly called webbing or woven tape, are used in softgoods applications such as crew mobility aids, restraint nets, and storage bag handles. Standard meta-aramid or nylon webbings do not meet flammability requirements in elevated oxygen environments. NASA-STD-6001B Test 1 was performed at the White Sands Test Facility to determine the maximum oxygen concentration at a pressure of 8.2 psia, with the test conducted in an unshielded J configuration.

The webbings tested included one-inch-width natural and black versions composed of 60% Kevlar and 40% PBI from Sturges Manufacturing, with available widths ranging from ¼ to 8 inches. The natural webbing achieved a maximum oxygen concentration of 37%, while the black webbing achieved 35% at 8.2 psia. Offgas testing was also performed on the natural webbing. Final performance and wear characteristics must be validated in full configuration, as individual textile results do not guarantee the performance of the finished assembly.