By Dhel Nazario Abaca fibers may soon be part of spacesuits worn by astronauts, through a project funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). I-Nano Solutions, a research facility committed to developing nanotech products and services for both industry and society of the De La Salle University (DLSU), has ventured on a P15 million project on abaca fabric for spacesuits application. The project, entitled “Fabrication and Characterization of Hydrophobic Nanocomposite Plated Abaca Fabric for the Enhanced Electromagnetic Interference Shielding (EMI-SE) and Thermal Resistance (TR) for Spacesuits Application,” seeks to produce a less expensive but competitive Thermo Mechanical Garment (TMG). TMG is the outermost layer worn by a space explorer. Also, it is responsible for the protection from electromagnetic waves and extreme temperature changes. The study aims to fabricate a layered structure of fabric out of Abaca fibers coated by nanocomposite material for electromagnetic interference shielding and thermal resistance. The project is in collaboration with the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), FEATI University, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), and the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI). “Since 1960s, when extra vehicular activity (EVA) has been introduced, there is a higher demand for more protective and mobile spacesuits for space explorers. Exposure to harmful electromagnetic waves and extreme temperature condition in the outer space are the most life-threatening factors to consider in designing spacesuits,” said Dr. Gil Nonato Santos, Vice Chancellor of the DLSU Laguna Campus and head of the I-Nano team. Funded by the DOST EXECOM, the research broke ground this month and is set for completion by January 2022.