{"id":1066,"date":"2025-12-09T08:18:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T07:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thinex.tech\/?p=1066"},"modified":"2026-03-09T15:20:41","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T14:20:41","slug":"printed-electronics-for-space-thinex-rotimpres-sensors-validated-in-nasa-parachute-testing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thinex.tech\/en\/printed-electronics-for-space-thinex-rotimpres-sensors-validated-in-nasa-parachute-testing\/","title":{"rendered":"Printed Electronics for Space: Thinex Rotimpres Sensors Validated in NASA Parachute Testing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Printed Electronics for Space: Thinex Rotimpres Sensors Validated in NASA Parachute Testing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Parachutes are one of the most critical \u2014 and least forgiving \u2014 components of spacecraft landing systems. Their fabrics must withstand extreme aerodynamic loads while deploying perfectly in fractions of a second. Yet testing these systems on Earth is complex and expensive and engineers often rely on models that can\u2019t fully capture what happens under real conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To improve accuracy, NASA launched the study \u201cEvaluation of Parachute Strain Sensor Adherence Effects on Ripstop Nylon Stiffness and Performance During Uniaxial Testing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The objective: determine whether printed strain sensors could measure stress directly on parachute fabrics without altering their mechanical properties. It was a challenge at the intersection of materials science and electronics \u2014 and one that called for precision, flexibility and innovation. That\u2019s where Thinex Rotimpres entered the mission. Known for our expertise in functional printing and flexible electronics, we collaborated by developing ultra-thin printed strain sensors designed to conform perfectly to the delicate ripstop nylon used in parachutes. The goal was clear: enable in-situ measurement of strain and load while maintaining the fabric\u2019s original performance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Validating Innovation: The NASA Study<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Traditional strain gauges can stiffen or weaken technical textiles \u2014 an unacceptable compromise in aerospace. Thinex\u2019s approach relied on printed conductive inks deposited over Beyolex\u2122 flexible substrates, forming standard strain gauge geometries only a fraction of a millimeter thick. This design provided excellent adhesion while preserving the mechanical elasticity and strength of the underlying material. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

NASA engineers conducted rigorous uniaxial tests to compare control samples with fabrics that included sensors from both Thinex Rotimpres and Nitto Bend Technologies (NBT). The fabrics were stretched to failure under controlled conditions while measuring load, elongation, and stiffness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The results were conclusive:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n