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The outermost fabric of an astronauts space suit is directly exposed to the various space environmental hazards and therefore has to withstand the various loads arising during EVA operation. In a previous study phase the Outer Fabric for a European Space Suit (OFFES) has been developed using advanced technology and special surface protection components. Different design versions have been manufactured - using 3-D weaving as well as 3-D knitting technology - and were subjected to a test campaign covering the investigation of mechanical/tribological, chemical, thermooptical and micrometeorite and debris (M/D) protection properties of the material. The current phase is concerned with the further development of the fabric for its application on a space suit. For this purpose an arm segment of a thermal and micrometeorite protection garment (TMP) has been manufactured using a further improved version of the OFFES fabrics.

During Extravehicular Activities (EVA) an astronaut has to be protected against various external factors ranging from mechanical hazards to solar radiation and micrometeoroids. An important element in this external protection is the outermost fabric layer. It has to ensure the mechanical protection of the pressure retention bladder and at the same time - by its thermooptical properties - plays an important role in the thermal control of the space suit. New weaving and knitting technologies enable the fabrication of so-called 3-D fabrics with interconnected layers and local variation of properties in one manufacturing step. By this a tailored design of protection properties is possible. A study has been performed to define concepts adapted for use on a European Space Suit. Different fabric samples were manufactured and tested, amongst others, for strength, flexibility, puncture and wear resistance, UV stability, flammability, out/offgassing and micrometeoroid protection effctiveness.