In the business of space construction, the phrase, “some assembly
required” is commonly heard, just as it is here on Earth. But there is a big
difference. Suited up in heavy pressurized space suits and outfitted with
bulky gloves, astronauts have a tougher job in completing work tasks.

Specifically built to Johnson Space Center requirements, Thread
Technology, Inc. of Sterling, Virginia, developed the ZipNut® replete with
Push-on Threads®;. As the name suggests, this fastener can be pushed
on, rather than turned. Originally developed for the Space Shuttle and
space station programs, the product is now in use by firefighters, nuclear
powerplant repair technicians, and others involved in difficult assembly
duties. These quick-connect fasteners enjoy the flexibility and strength of
threads while eliminating their heretofore inherent weaknesses of slowness
and cross-threading.

NASA has adopted the ZipNut® fastener for space walking and robotic
in-space assembly. A tool to apply the fastener was first developed for flight
aboard a Space Shuttle in 1989. It was also adopted for the Space Station
in 1992. The attachment technology has been a part of two Hubble Space
Telescope repair and servicing missions, in 1994 and 1997. Zipping on and
zipping off attachment handrails to move delicate Hubble instruments about
the Shuttle’s cargo bay were made possible by using the exceptional
fasteners.

Once segments of the International Space Station are orbited, astronaut
“hard hats” will be faced with piecing together the various elements. Thread
Technology is supplying ZipNuts® to help assure fast and easy connection
of Space Station hardware. Installation time can be improved since bolts can
be pushed into place rather than having to be turned like conventional
nut/bolt combinations.

There are several benefits and features of Thread Technology fasteners,
also making them ideal for more down-to-Earth applications. Coupling to an
existing threaded part can be done with only a push and twist of up to one
full turn. Wrench tightening is obsolete. Rapid assembly is possible without
the need of starting the thread lead or rotating the male and female parts
multiple times.

A patented optional feature of the ZipNut® allows quick removal of fasteners
and connections. A locking system prevents accidental disconnection under
load. For many markets, such as industrial gas filling, this feature reduces
repetitive hand motion problems and virtually doubles the product benefit
without doubling the cost.

The Push-on Thread fastener also resists movement under vibration.
Adverse environmental conditions do not degrade product performance,
whether exposed to outer space, contamination, or extreme weather. Lastly,
the product can be fabricated from most materials, such as stainless steel,
aluminum, titanium, brass, and even plastic. There is no material limitation
so long as the material has sufficient strength to bear the specified loads. A
fastener can be designed in a wide range of sizes, such as the
one-quarter-inch nut developed for NASA or a six-inch high pressure water
coupling.