• The Cold Stowage group retrieves payloads that have returned from the International Space Station via the SpaceX Dragon Capsule.

• They utilize NASA’s C9 Aircraft for this operation and were in need of cargo straps to hold down the hardware used for transportation of the payloads.

• The HUNCH program fabricated Short, Medium and Long Cargo Retention Straps for this operation.

1st: The HUNCH program was asked to provide samples of the stitching in both horizontal and vertical directions to determine which, if either was better.

Results: The horizontal stitching had a better load capability.

Horizontal Stitching Test to Failure

Horizontal Stitching (1) vs Vertical Stitching ([2]) Test to Failure

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Load (lbf)

Crosshead (in)

1[2]

2nd : The HUNCH program was asked to provide lot samples, as they fabricated the straps, to be tested for both nominal load and failure loads

Results: All lots passed with no issues.

Full Strap w/hooks test

8 Full strap w/hooks, 2000lb load tests 2 Full Strap w/hooks, 3500lbs failure tests

Cargo Straps are used during SpaceX Payload Retrieval Operations

Long Straps restraining a stack of 4 Cargo Transfer Boxes

Short and Medium Straps restraining Powered Payload Transfer Box

Short Straps restraining LiFePo4 Battery Box