Obtaining NASA Approval for Use of Non-Metallic Materials in Manned Space Flight

Material manufacturers and suppliers are surprised when a material commonly provided to industry is not approved for use on manned spacecraft. Often, the reason is a lack of test data in environments that simulate those encountered in space applications, especially oxygen-enriched conditions, which significantly increase the likelihood of combustion and the propagation of fire. This paper introduces requirements for flight approval of non-metallic materials, introduces testing requirements, describes procedures for submitting materials for testing, outlines options if a material fails testing, and introduces the Materials and Processes Technical Information System (MAPTIS), a database housing all test data produced in accordance with NASA-STD-6001, Flammability, Odor, Offgassing, and Compatibility Requirements and Test Procedures for Materials in Environments that Support Combustion [1].