On July 4, 1997, the Mars Pathfinder made its historic landing on the surface of Mars, cushioned by airbags made of VECTRAN™ fiber. The low-temperature performance, flex fatigue and abrasion resistance, and tensile strength of VECTRAN™ were all key considerations in the material selection process.
VECTRAN™ is also used for tethers and strength members in other aerospace applications. In addition to robust mechanical performance, the minimal off- and out-gassing characteristics of the fiber are desirable for high vacuum and space applications.
Key Benefits
- Low CTE
- Thermal properties, including low-temperature performance
- Low off-gassing and out-gassing characteristics
- Flex fatigue resistance
Applications
- Inflatable system (e.g., space habitats)
- Actuator cords for remote deployment systems
- Safety restraints, tie-downs, cable harnesses, and lacing tapes
- Lifting/lower system bridle and tethers (e.g., sky crane)
