The Italian Space Agency wanted banners for the European Harmony space module, headed for installation at the International Space Station (ISS). However, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had stringent requirements for fabrics allowed on space shuttle missions. Inflammable, biodegradable Country Cotton FR, a fabric produced by 3P InkJet Textiles Corp., Stephanskirchen, Germany, made the grade and soared into the stratosphere during the October 23, 2007, launch of the STS-120 space shuttle mission.
3P InkJet Textiles publishes detailed specifications and test reports on its products, one reason why NASA could fully evaluate the product’s suitability for space. Country Cotton FR passed U.S. flammability standards, and has received European M1 certification for its flame-retardant qualities. The textile is 100 percent cotton, environmentally friendly throughout production, and gives excellent results with any large-format printer using dye or pigmented aqueous ink. For more information, visit www.3p-inktextiles.com.