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case study

nasa gox seal

A custom product developed to solve an aerospace specific problem.

about the project

aerospace textiles specialists

Gox seals are part of the Gaseous Oxygen vent system used to help manage the out-gassing of fuels during the launch of the NASA Space Shuttle. Positioned over vents at the top of the main booster rocket, the seals provide a heated “pathway” for the gasses boiling off the mixture of liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen that fills the booster rocket, just prior to launch. The seals are pressurized with heated air.

Without these seals, the gaseous oxygen would form ice that would interfere with a safe launch. Required to withstand extreme temperatures, the 3′ by 3′ GOX Seals are made with layered fabrics and baffled chambers within each seal.

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project scope

our contribution

Rainier is proud of our role as part of the Human Space Flight Team. Members of United Space Alliance visited Rainier to present us with a Certificate of Appreciation for our part in the successful Return to Flight mission of the shuttle Discovery, which launched on July 26, 2005. United Space Alliance provides support work for the space program to their sole customer, NASA. We have provided them with a high quality technical fabric solution and we play a part in a safe launch for the space program.

see it in action

project gallery

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Attention to Detail

Fabrication of the seals is a labor-intensive process requiring meticulous attention to detail. 

Quality controlled

Seams must be aligned, glued, sewn, and then carefully sealed to be airtight. The seals undergo a stringent quality assurance process before they are approved for use on each launch.

Deliver Results

When creating a product for a high-risk environment, we have to ensure that we are meeting safety requirements, quality control standards, and deliver the project on time.

testimonial

Members of United Space Alliance visited Rainier to present us with a Certificate of Appreciation for our part in the successful Return to Flight mission of the shuttle Discovery, which launched on July 26, 2005.

Michael-Fuhrman

MICHAEL FUHRMAN
Salesperson

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