Softgoods
NASA HUNCH SEWN Articles
HUNCH Sewn Flight Articles, also known as Softgoods, is a program using fabric and other soft materials to create goods requested by different NASA centers as well as the International Space Station Astronaut Crew. This can range from redesigning the crew pantry to creating kits for the Crew’s personal items. Softgoods provides a unique design opportunity using various materials to keep the crew not only safe but clean and comfortable aboard their stay.
Much of our output goes to items for training purposes. By creating high fidelity training goods we can give the Astronaut Crew a more realistic simulation while they are on the ground. These products range from items we’ve designed through Design and Prototyping and had flown up to the International Space Station as well as items that already exist aboard the International Space Station such as Cargo Bags. This range of items allows schools with different skill levels to all participate so that no one is denied the chance to create.
Since most items are built to drawing specifications they need to show the highest quality output possible from our schools. We teach students about quality assurance best practices so that they learn to expect quality from all of the items they create. They are also shown proper safety documentation throughout the process making them more accountable for their output insuring tractability from start to finish. We want to insure that all HUNCH products meet the highest quality standards possible so that student work has the best chance of reaching the International Space Station.
Current Projects
MISSE Straps
These straps produced for the alpha space program and were manufactured and assembled by HUNCH. These straps were designed and fabricated for strapping down hardware before and during launching of hardware.
Crew Quarters Organizer
HUNCH students were tasked with coming up with a way to assist crew in stowing and organizing their personal items. The students’ solution was a collapsible softgood item that acted as a binder with removable mesh pocketing attachments.
ISS Footpads
Crew requested a softgood designed to wear over their feet to help reduce callouses and bruising on their feet. This is caused from restraining their bodies in zero gravity using railing and other hard fixtures.
Program Timeline
Late Oct/Mid November – Face to face or virtual tag-ups for progress checks, questions, and feedback.
Late May/Early June – end of school year project, final deliverables due.
Late August/Early September – Start of school year, project kickoff.
Late Janurary through March for design reviews and/or progress checks.
Past Sewn Flight Projects
Crew Quarters Organizers
After meeting with crew members, HUNCH students were tasked with coming up with a way to assist crew in stowing and organizing their personal items.
ISS Footpads
The crew aboard the ISS requested footpads designed for crew members to wear over their feet to help reduce callouses and bruising. This bruising is caused from restraining their bodies in zero gravity as well as from using the railing and other hard fixtures aboard the ISS.
Points of Contact
Marcie Dickson
Sewn Flight Mentor
marcie@nasa.gov
281-635-6488
Lee Hansen
Sewn Flight Mentor
lee.a.hansen@nasa.gov
832-441-3152
