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KSC develops Earth-friendly fire suppression agent NASA-KSC NEWS RELEASE Posted: November 15, 2003 Fire usually doesn't come to mind when thinking of preserving the ozone layer and preventing global warming. However, at NASA-Kennedy Space Center those objectives were ever-present in the development of a new fire suppression agent. NASA-KSC has filed a patent application for the dry powder substance that combines the best properties of water and Halon fire extinguishing agents. The agent is made of microencapsulated water, which means it's not evaporated into the atmosphere making it a more powerful suppressant that's also appropriate for the environment. "This is providing a replacement for Halons currently being used, but are banned from being manufactured because they are harmful to the environment. This is a new class of fire extinguishing agents that can compete effectively against other hand-held systems," said the technology's visionary, Dr. Clyde Parrish, NASA senior chemist at KSC. Companies have expressed interest in the development, which can be used indoors and outdoors, and could license the technology and manufacture the agent, while KSC would earn royalties. NASA then has the option to purchase the commercial product for use. Parrish explained its potential. "Locally, it can be used in firing rooms for electrical equipment and on board the Shuttle." While the suppressants, in place at numerous KSC locations, are dated, it takes time to research and resolve issues, and develop a better option. Knowing the need for a new agent, Parrish envisioned the concept, and decided to begin development. After two years, working primarily with three lab associates, he realized the goal of creating the non-toxic fire suppression agent. "It's always good to see your ideas develop and have some value," Parrish said. "I think this has a lot of interesting potential."
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Apollo 11 special patch Special collectors' patch marking the 35th anniversary of the historic Apollo 11 moon landing is now available.U.S. - U.K. - E.U. - Worldwide Inside Apollo mission control
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Own a little piece of history with this official patch for the International Space Station's Expedition 11 crew. We'll ship yours today!U.S. Current Shuttle Mission Patch The official embroidered patch for shuttle Endeavour's flight to finish building Japanese section of the space station.Hubble Patch The official embroidered patch for mission STS-125, the space shuttle's last planned service call to the Hubble Space Telescope, is available for purchase.Ares Patch The Ares Project will develop two new rockets to launch astronauts back to the Moon under NASA's Vision for Exploration. The Ares 1 will employ a single space shuttle solid rocket booster to loft the Orion crew capsule. The gigantic Ares 5 will haul the equipment and cargo needed for such lunar voyages. This is the Ares emblem.![]() Project Orion The Orion crew exploration vehicle is NASA's first new human spacecraft developed since the space shuttle a quarter-century earlier. The capsule is one of the key elements of returning astronauts to the Moon.Fallen Heroes Patch Collection The official patches from Apollo 1, the shuttle Challenger and Columbia crews are available in the store.Get e-mail updates Sign up for our NewsAlert service and have the latest news in astronomy and space e-mailed direct to your desktop (privacy note: your e-mail address will not be used for any other purpose). |
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