• 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
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