about the project
Aerospace Textiles Specialists: Innovating for NASA’s Launch Needs
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.
project scope
Our Contribution: Supporting NASA’s Human Space Flight Program
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: Visual Insights into NASA GOX Seal Fabrication
Attention to Detail: Precision in Every NASA GOX Seal
Fabrication of the seals is a labor-intensive process requiring meticulous attention to detail.
Quality Controlled: Ensuring Airtight Seals for Space Missions
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: Meeting NASA’s Safety and Deadline Standards
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
Salesperson
Frequently Asked Questions
The NASA GOX Seal is part of the Gaseous Oxygen vent system that prevents ice formation on booster rockets during space shuttle launches by providing a heated pathway for vented gasses.
It prevents ice formation from gaseous oxygen, ensuring safe and uninterrupted launch operations.
They are made using layered fabrics and baffled chambers, undergoing a stringent quality assurance process to meet NASA’s safety standards.
The seals are made with high-performance technical fabrics capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and pressures.
Yes, Rainier has been recognized as part of the Human Space Flight Team for their contributions to NASA’s Return to Flight missions.