ZERO-LEAK PRODUCT HOLDS TIGHT IN NASA FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Photo courtesy of NASA
VALVES IN
NASA is always preparing for a worst-case scenario aboard a spacecraft, including constantly evaluating fire protection tools and technology. One such review revealed an opportunity for improvement. 34
AUGUST 2020
Some fire extinguishers in NASA space vehicles contained carbon dioxide (CO2), which poses risks for humans, and halon, which is risky in an enclosed environment. On a space station, CO2 in particular raises serious concern because emergency breathing equipment
doesn’t filter it. NASA sought to develop a safer option. A fine-water-mist portable fire extinguisher made the most sense; it wouldn’t damage structures or require special cleanup procedures, and it would meet other criteria. The extinguisher would discharge
from any orientation because it didn’t rely on gravity to produce the unique thermal properties of microatomized water droplets. The extinguisher’s metal tank accommodated 6 pounds of water and 1.2 pounds of nitrogen gas. Held under pressure in separate
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