Kevlar EXO is a leading protective technology in terms of strength and weight, utilizing up to 40% less material than its predecessors while maintaining the same quality of protection. In recent years, it has been put to many tests in order to determine future possibilities for this dynamic material. In November of 2024, Kevlar EXO was sent to the International Space Station (ISS) for space debris testing. We spoke to sources working with Kevlar EXO, led by Jill Clements and Julia Cardoso, regarding the ISS process and developments within Kevlar EXO that have occurred since.
Kevlar EXO’s Venture into Space
When the team prepared samples of Kevlar EXO for the ISS, they did so for exposed testing in a Low Earth Orbit environment. This is characterized by extreme conditions, including ultra-high vacuum, high levels of UV and ionizing radiation, and large quantities of space debris. “Tests also focused on exposure to atomic oxygen and UV radiation, and included samples measuring two inches on each side,” Clements said.
The samples were transported via the SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule, and attached to the ISS’s exterior to be monitored for an extended period of time. Following this period, KevlarEXO partnered with Gravitics Inc. to return the materials to the ground. The materials then underwent a period of examination to understand the space exposure effects.
When asked about the new challenges space testing introduced, Kevlar EXO responded by acknowledging space’s unpredictable and intense conditions. “Beyond the traditional testing of Kevlar EXO, we needed to evaluate how the material performed under different levels of atomic oxygen and UV radiation,” Clements stated. Debris testing was notably done on the ground where it could be monitored.
Important Considerations of the Material
In the context of space, some characteristics of protective material become more important than others. “Kevlar EXO is inherently flame and temperature resistant, which makes it a natural fit for unpredictable space conditions,” Clements said. “The material won’t melt and can withstand cryogenic temperatures for extreme performance in extreme conditions.”
Kevlar EXO’s high level of flexibility makes it additionally attractive for space use. Its pliability can be used for various shapes and structures of spacecraft and satellites, without having to compromise protection and durability.
Space weather also plays a part in Kevlar EXO’s performance. The environmental phenomena is glaringly different from that of Earth, so Kevlar EXO has to withstand solar radiation or flares as well as space debris collisions. The thought is that Kevlar EXO will be able to protect satellites and potential spacecraft during the launch and during its journey into space.
The Future of KevlarEXO in Space
Kevlar EXO will not only play a more durable part in the future of space technology, but it will also lighten the payload. With this material, weight savings can increase to 40%, the saved mass able to be transferred to payload capacity. This helps substantially with launch costs increasing.
In terms of testing, Kevlar EXO has passed the tests for orbital debris needs. To elaborate on this, Clements described the debris. ”This type of debris includes human-made objects in orbit around Earth like non-functional spacecraft, parts of rockets, and fragments from collisions or breakups.”
In recognition of its groundbreaking design and performance, Kevlar EXO was awarded the 2024 Body Armor Innovation Award. This honor underscores Kevlar EXO’s significant contributions to advancing protective technologies across both civilian and aerospace applications.
Kevlar EXO could play a critical role in protecting future space stations and within exploration of the moon and Mars.
