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Obtaining NASA Approval for use of Non-Metallic Materials in Manned Space FlightMaterial manufacturers and suppliers are often surprised when a material commonly provided to industry is not approved for use on manned spacecraft. Often the reason is a lack of test data in environments that simulate those encountered in space applications, especially oxygen-enriched conditions, which significantly increase both the likelihood of material combustion and the propagation of a fire. This paper introduces the requirements for flight approval of non-metallic materials, focusing on material testing for human-rated space flight programs; it reviews the history of flight materials requirements and provides the rationale for such and introduces specific requirements related to testing and to good material engineering and design practices. After describing the procedure for submitting materials to be tested, the paper outlines options available if a material fails testing. In addition, this treatise introduces the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA's) Materials and Processes Technical Information System (MAPTIS), a database housing all test data produced in accordance with NASA-STD-6001, Flammability, Odor, Offgassing, and Compatibility Requirements and Test Procedures for Materials in Environments that Support Combustion.
Document ID
20030061405
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Davis, Samuel E.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Wise, Harry L.
(Integrated Concepts and Research Corp. United States)
Date Acquired
August 21, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2003
Subject Category
Nonmetallic Materials
Meeting Information
Meeting: SAMPE 2003
Location: Long Beach, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: May 1, 2003
Sponsors: Society for Advancement of Materials and Process Engineering
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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