Columbia Sportswear heads to space

Heat insulation technology used in outdoor apparel will be implemented on a lunar lander in a first-of-its-kind partnership with Columbia Sportswear and space exploration company Intuitive Machines

Omni-Heat Infinity, a propriety heat-reflective technology developed by Columbia Sportswear, is set to go to space with the upcoming launch of Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lunar lander.

In laboratory simulations leading up to this launch, Intuitive Machines’ researchers determined that the gold metallic foil of Columbia’s innovative Omni-Heat Infinity fabric will provide benefits toward insulating the lunar lander against the harsh temperatures of space, which can vary between -250° and 250° Fahrenheit.

Dr. Haskell Beckham, VP of Innovation at Columbia Sportswear, said: “Taking key learnings from this partnership, we’ll be able to create new products that will help people enjoy more of the outdoors – regardless of conditions – and ultimately unlock the outdoors for everyone here on Earth.”