Milliken To Supply Flame-Resistant Fabrics For NASA’s Artemis Missions

Milliken & Company, a global leader in diversified manufacturing, has announced its collaboration with NASA to design and manufacture flame-resistant (FR) undergarment fabrics for the Artemis missions. Artemis III, scheduled for no earlier than 2026, will be the first U.S. crewed mission to the Moon in over 50 years.

Through the JSC Engineering, Technology & Science (JETS) II contract with NASA, Milliken is partnering with professional services firm Jacobs to develop next-to-skin textiles for the clothing astronauts will wear while operating space vehicles during lunar landings. These Human Landing System (HLS) vehicles require enhanced flame resistance due to increased oxygen levels, which elevate fire risk. Milliken was selected as the supplier for this critical FR fabric development.

“Milliken views this project as an opportunity to support America’s commitment to space exploration, science and research for future generations,” said David Smith, Executive Vice President and President of Milliken’s Textile Business. “We are proud to help keep NASA astronauts safe during the Artemis missions.”

Initiated in summer 2023, the first project phase focused on manufacturing planning and material evaluation, with Milliken utilizing its FR, knitting and finishing expertise alongside chemical analysis, material testing and its Rapid Prototype Center capabilities. This included a comprehensive assessment of NASA’s historic materials.

“This project aligns perfectly with Milliken’s capabilities,” said Ramesh Kesh, Senior Vice President of Milliken’s Textile Business. “It combines our Westex brand’s FR expertise and Polartec brand’s knit fabric proficiency with our manufacturing excellence and a deep bench of research scientists to support NASA.”

In the second phase, Milliken and Jacobs are finalizing prototypes and manufacturing the textile for NASA, with completion expected by fall 2024.