Research & Development

Constant prototyping and testing provide us invaluable insight into the many complexities, trade offs, and challenges of designing for outer space. 

Our goal: maximizing your mission objectives at the highest levels safety, mobility, comfort, utility, and cost-efficiency.

RadFlexPro: Radiation Protection

FFD was awarded a 2013 SBIR contract from NASA JSC to develop graded Z shielding garments for use in outer space.  Based on nuclear reactor shielding, RadFlexPro coatings can be integrated into a variety of garments and vehicles to help shield occupants from dangerous ionizing radiation from space or Earth.

MCP Gloves

As an innovative alternative to traditional pressure garments, these tight-fitting, shape changing gloves provide even compression over the hand with no sacrficice in motion via “mechanical counter pressure.” Among its many advantages, MCP greatly reducing the bulk of a traditional glove as well as the risk of puncture in open space.  FFD’s MCP gloves are uniquely designed for future suits as well as integration with traditional gas-filled space suits.

Micro/Cubesat Shielding & Deployment

FFD is experimenting with deployable, inflatable space structures for microsats.  Our goal is long life cycle (25 year) structures and an expansion of at least 10 to 1.  Potential uses include de-orbit drag chutes, deployable antennas, sensor booms, and dish reflectors.

EVA Components

FFD was awarded a 2013 SBIR from NASA JSC to develop pressure garment arm components for high pressure EVA suits.