Dutch space pouches travel with Andre Kuipers to International Space Station
December 21, 2011 - Netherlands
On Wednesday, 21 December 2011 a set of Dutch space pouches will travel into space with the Dutch ESA astronaut André Kuipers to the International Space Station. Schonenborg Space Engineering bv in Noordwijk (NL) and TenCate Protective Fabrics in Nijverdal have arranged for the optimal transport and double protection of the sensitive, scientific hardware to be used by André Kuipers.
TenCate Protective Fabrics supplied the TenCate Tecashield® inherently heat- and flame-resistant fabric. Schonenborg Space Engineering has used this fabric to make the space pouches that protect the sensitive hardware that André Kuipers will use on board both the Sojuz spacecraft and the International Space Station.
Double protection
These space pouches will dampen the shocks and vibration generated by the rocket launch from Baikonur (Kazachstan). In addition to this protection, the TenCate material will ensure that, in the unlikely event of a fire on board either of the spacecraft, the space pouches and their contents will not catch fire. The pouches have been designed to ensure that their ergonomic properties, their use under conditions of weightlessness and their safety are all optimal. In addition to its heat- and flame-resistant properties, the protective fabric offers great strength and minimal outgassing, thus providing extra safety for the space travellers.
TenCate Protective Fabrics supplied the TenCate Tecashield® inherently heat- and flame-resistant fabric. Schonenborg Space Engineering has used this fabric to make the space pouches that protect the sensitive hardware that André Kuipers will use on board both the Sojuz spacecraft and the International Space Station.
Double protection
These space pouches will dampen the shocks and vibration generated by the rocket launch from Baikonur (Kazachstan). In addition to this protection, the TenCate material will ensure that, in the unlikely event of a fire on board either of the spacecraft, the space pouches and their contents will not catch fire. The pouches have been designed to ensure that their ergonomic properties, their use under conditions of weightlessness and their safety are all optimal. In addition to its heat- and flame-resistant properties, the protective fabric offers great strength and minimal outgassing, thus providing extra safety for the space travellers.