The New Zealand wool that went around the moon

The same filtration technology used in DVS Home Ventilation air filters is helping astronauts breathe in space.

When NASA prepares astronauts for space, nothing is left to chance, especially the air they breathe.

For the Artemis II mission, engineers needed to ensure the Orion spacecraft’s emergency breathing system could perform in the most extreme conditions. In the event of an onboard fire, astronauts rely on these systems to buy precious time, minutes that can make all the difference.

To find the right solution, NASA tested air filtration technologies from around the world. One of them came from New Zealand.

The New Zealand wool that went around the moon

As detailed by NASA themselves in their Spinoff publication, and subsequently reported by RNZ, Auckland-based company Lanaco developed a wool-based filtration technology that ultimately earned its place in the Artemis II mission.

Their EcoStatic® filters are used in emergency breathing hoods designed to protect astronauts from smoke, hot toxic particles, water vapour, and fine debris – all within the confined environment of a capsule in deep space.

In testing, many synthetic filters quickly lost effectiveness, some in as little as ten minutes. Lanaco’s wool-based alternative performed for far longer, extending the safe breathing window to around an hour.

Why wool works differently

What makes this technology so effective comes down to the material itself.

Wool fibres have a naturally complex structure that allows them to trap particles while still letting air move freely. When combined with EcoStatic’s electrostatic technology, this creates a filter that captures fine airborne matter without clogging too quickly – a crucial advantage in environments where air quality can change rapidly.

From space to your home

While the conditions inside a spacecraft are extreme, the need for clean, breathable air is something we all share.

Inside our homes, air can carry moisture, dust, and other particles that affect comfort and wellbeing. It’s not always visible, but over time, it shapes how a space feels, from condensation on windows to that sense of stale, heavy air.

DVS Home Ventilation systems feature this same EcoStatic® filtration technology in their air filters, helping to bring cleaner, drier air into your home every day. It’s designed to work quietly in the background, supporting a healthier indoor environment.

Want to learn more? Discover DVS ventilation solutions and how our filtration technology can help your home breathe easier, all year round.