Embedded Silver Conductive Films for Real-Time Structural Damage Monitoring of Fabric-Based Systems in Austere Environments

Orem, UT

This project outlines the development of a lightweight, metal-embedded polymer substrate capable of detecting and signaling the presence of microtears or breaches in EVA suits and inflatable habitats. This proof-of-concept uses a low-power circuit that enables rapid damage indication in austere environments where immediate diagnostic capability may be limited. The system will be prototyped using synthetic plastic substrate embedded with conductive micro-metal materials. This project falls under NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate, particularly in the area of crew safety during extravehicular activities (EVA) and sustainability of human presence in low Earth orbit and beyond.