Valves in Space

ZERO-LEAK PRODUCT HOLDS TIGHT IN NASA FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

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.

Photo courtesy of NASA

Some fire extinguishers in NASA space vehicles contained carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), which poses risks for humans, and halon, which is risky in an enclosed environment. On a space station, CO 2 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