Self-healing puncture protection

Self-healing puncture protection is a technology to automatically close small punctures hit by meteorites. Since it is only a makeshift closure a final repair is necessary later.

Windows

Windows of living rooms and greenhouses are vulnerable for meteorite impacts. Laminated safety glass avoids a complete shattering of the window. Special chemicals can be additionally placed between two sheets, starting a foam reaction on drop of pressure.

Another idea of temporary sealing is placing ultra-light balls of foamed polystyrene or similar material near the windows. In case of a meteorite impact the balls are moved by the sudden air stream toward the whole and get stuck in the whole.

Space suits

Several layers of rubber and tissues are processed to make a space suit puncture proof.

Open issues

• What is known about the puncture protection of existing space suits? What is the meteorite size limit they can protect against?
• What sort of foam reaction is viable for windows?