New Zealand Firm's Interest In U.S. Space Flight

Press, Volume C, Issue 29510, 11 May 1961, Page 18

New Zealand Firm's Interest In U.S. Space Flight

Following the triumphant news of Commander Alan Shepard's space-flight with more than the usual excitement, was the Bata Company (N.Z.), Ltd., whose associates in America and Holland were honoured with the exacting and tremendously important work of designing and producing the protective cushioning and the footwear for the U.S. Astronaut. Chief among the many dangers that the Spaceman faced were the terrific stresses to which his body and limbs were subjected because of the fantastic acceleration of the space vehicle. Among his major problems was the sense of weightlessness during the period when the capsule was rushing through space without power, and the critical re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere. Through four years of research and experiment in cooperation with U.S. Authorities. Bata designers, technicians and chemists at Best, Holland worked in deepest secrecy on the development of the space-boots and of Poly-Batadieen. an entirely new compound of synthetic and natural rubber which is extremely resilient and light with a specific weight of 0.01. The Bata Company at Belcamp, Maryland, U.S., working as liaison with the U.S. Air Force, arranged for elaborate testing equipment to be sent to Bata in Holland so that earth-bound simulated space-flights could be carried out to ascertain the hydro-static changes in man’s bloodstream due to the rocket propelled acceleration and the stresses that might be encountered with the sudden disappearance of atmospheric pressure should a leak develop due to a meteorite.

Added to these considers-

tions were the factors of enormous and sudden differences in temperature, the influence of ultra violet and cosmic rays and the confined, cramped space and minimum and breatheable air. The Astronaut's boots, therefore, are of very strong but soft leather, waterproof and air-tight, and have metal soles built-in which are attracted by a weak electric ’'urrent flowing through the floor of the space cabin to create a magnetic field, and thus, the capsule’s selfcontained gravity. Changes in pressure and hydro-static changes are recorded by miniature manometers and sensitive antenae affixed to the toes of the boots.

To provide good support for the Spaceman's back and a gentle but firm head-rest, and to cradle Commander Shepard safely over the shock of the initial thrust, and to meet the demands of possible emergencies, the new PolyBatadieen has proven completely successful. Poly-Batadieen was immediately acknowledged as a major contribution to industries who have sought a rubber w’ith its important characteristics when, after announcing its invention to a meeting in London last month of 17 top chemists from many parts of the world where Bata is established, details were made public. Bata are proud, not only of their assignment and the honour of working with the U.S. Air Force on this particular project, but also that they have, in a small but important way, been able to contribute to space travel for mankind.

Footnote:—Bata, whose slogan is—“Shoemakers to the World." are considering adding to it the words, “and Outer Space.” —PB A.