Back to the catalog
Spinoff story
Temperature-Regulating Fabrics Keep Babies Comfortable
A real-world story of NASA technology finding a life beyond the mission.
About this technology
Overview
One method Johnson Space Center investigated for managing heat inside a spacesuit was the use of phase-change materials (PCMs). Like ice cubes in a drink, PCMs absorb heat as they change from solid to liquid, and, if exposed to colder temperatures, they release that heat as they refreeze. An SBIR contract led to the creation of fabrics incorporating PCMs, most recently commercialized by San Fransicso-based Embrace Innovations in wraps and blankets that help keep babies at an optimal temperature.