Kevlar in Space Suits - Krypton MCV @introtomaterialsscience--g4
Kevlar in Space Suits - Krypton MCV  @introtomaterialsscience--g4
Uploaded May 2014 | Updated September 2026, 55 minutes ago
Kevlar: Keeping Astronauts Safe in Space
Erica, Evan, Jim, Rachel

Protecting humans while in space is an important technological challenge. As scientists try to explore the solar system and observe the Milky Way, they need to be able to survive the harsh conditions of space. Space suits provide the essential oxygen, pressurized atmosphere, and protection from extreme temperatures and micrometeoroids for humans as they move outside of the International Space Station. One crucial material used in making these space suits is Kevlar (Poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide). Woven Kevlar helps solve the challenge of putting humans in space because it is strong, yet lightweight, and allows for some motion of the body unlike a hard, solid metal. Kevlar's strength is attributed to a combination of inter-chain hydrogen bonds and stacking interactions between adjacent bonds. The process of production of Kevlar also gives it strength. It is drawn into fibers and then sewn in a crosshatched pattern into a fabric. Kevlar can ideally hold its strength down to -196°C, which is important for space travel, as it can get extremely cold outside of the earth's protective atmosphere. If exposed to extreme heat, Kevlar will not melt like other plastics, and will only degrade after reaching 450 degrees C. There are also other insulators in space suits that protect astronauts from the extreme temperatures of space. Because of the nature of Kevlar it has a versatile array of uses such as bulletproof vests, paneling on air force jets, helmets, and cut-resistant gloves. Kevlar has qualities that make it very protective from punctures, thus enabling engineers and designers to utilize these qualities for the manufacturing and future development of safer and more lightweight space suits.

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Intro to Materials Science Guided Inquiry (UVa) |

Kevlar in Space Suits - Krypton MCV

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