Press Release

NASA Awards Final Frontier Design with New Contract to Build MCP Gloves for Future Manned Spaceflight Missions

By SpaceRef Editor
August 24, 2015
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Last week, Final Frontier Design (FFD) was awarded its first fixed price contract for the delivery of a functioning mechanical counter pressure (MCP) glove system next Summer. “This marks a significant milestone for FFD,” says Ted Southern, President of FFD. “This is directly in line with ambitious goals, set by NASA, to greatly enhance the capabilities, safety, and technology of future human space exploration. MCP represents the potential to greatly reduce the bulk, strain, and limitations of current space suits while vastly increasing thermal efficiency. We’re especially excited and motivated.”

While the idea of an MCP space suit is not new, the space industry has yet to develop a functioning skintight space suit system that can serve as a viable alternative to current inservice air pressure garments.

FFD seeks to enhance recent research and build upon the original concept of an MCP suit by leveraging significant technological advancements made in the intervening decades, including hightech oneway stretch fabrics, capabilities in 3D modeling, additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping of restraint components and skin interfaces, and precision sensor rigs for testing and fine calibration.

The award, for $366,710, is FFD’s seventh award from NASA and its first fixed price contract. The contract lasts for a period of approximately 12 months, and will be performed in partnership with SuperReleaser, a Brooklyn based soft robotics tech startup.

About Final Frontier Design Final Frontier Design is a Brooklyn based private design firm crafting aerospace safety garments and space inspired fashion for the future of space travel and terrestrial life.

Contact:
Virgil Calejesan
virgil@finalfrontierdesign.com
+17245180026
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IMAGE CAPTIONS:
1. FFD MCP Glove Prototype.jpg < link >
FFD evaluating tactility of an early stage MCP glove prototype in delta pressure conditions.
2. FFD MCP Glove Diagram.jpg < link >
FFD MCP glove system diagram.
3. FFDLOGO (black).png < link >

SpaceRef staff editor.