It's like duct tape, except it's not

11 Jul Posted by Jeff in geekiness, rant

An AP report on CNN.com mentions that the shuttle astronauts are thinking about using duct tape to hold on a troublesome jet pack that caused problems during a space walk yesterday. I was all ready to cue the obligatory jokes about duct tape being able to fix anything.

Except, it's not duct tape. Quoting the article:

The spacewalkers hope they can use Kapton tape to hold the backpack latches in place when they make their next spacewalk on Wednesday. The tape is like duct tape but slippery and able to withstand both frigid cold and fiery hot temperatures.

Bwah? We use Kapton tape at work occasionally. If you've ever seen it, you'll realize that quote is a bit like saying, "Sand is like sugar, but darker and able to resist dissolving in water." In other words, Kapton tape resembles duct tape in that it comes in rolls and has an adhesive backing. That's about it. :)

I know it's a silly thing to post about, but there's something to be said for not stretching the facts just so you can get a catchy headline.

  • Jeff's blog
  • Share/Save

Comments

Anonymous's picture
Geof F. Morris (not verified)July 10, 2006 - 10:24pm

Well, there's space-qualified duct

Well, there's space-qualified duct tape, too. It's frickin' expensive, because you have to use chemicals that won't bake out and be volatile and toxic in closed-loop environments. Of course, lots of Kapton gets used.

I imagine that the flight DT is in the loop, but that they'd rather use the Kapton. Kapton's just a lot better suited with the kind of load cases they're trying to adapt, and it's a lot easier to manipulate with those damn EVA gloves.

[You knew I would reply.]

Post new comment