Goodyear to Study Tire Materials Reaction in International Space Station Experiments

--Material science plays a critical role in tire research and development

--Scientific discovery project to evaluate molecular structures of silica not available on Earth

--Results to inform additional opportunities to potentially improve fuel efficiency and traction

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Jul 24, 2018, 14:00 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, July 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NASDAQ: GT) plans to test tire components in space as part of a project in the International Space Station (ISS) U.S. National Laboratory, through an experiment expected to launch later this year.

In the microgravity environment of the space station, Goodyear will study the formation of silica particles, a common material used in consumer tires. By gathering knowledge from this evaluation, Goodyear engineers and scientists can determine if further investigation of unique forms of precipitated silica should be considered in tires.

"Goodyear has been a pioneer in tire innovations related to space, with the first and only tires on the moon, numerous projects with NASA and now this," said Eric Mizner, Goodyear's director of global materials science. "It underscores our passion for going to the ends of the earth – and beyond – to develop new technologies that help us deliver breakthrough products with true consumer benefits."

Goodyear made the announcement during the ISS Research and Development Conference, held in San Francisco.

Recent academic experiments in microgravity conditions have demonstrated the ability to generate unique morphologies that could show potential in delivering higher performance products. Should a breakthrough take place with this Goodyear investigation onboard the ISS U.S. National Laboratory, it could lead to improvements in fuel efficiency and other performance factors.

The in-space evaluation is being conducted through an agreement with the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), the organization tasked by NASA to manage the ISS U.S. National Laboratory.

"The ISS National Lab can provide companies and researchers opportunities to evaluate materials within their product line and in ways not previously possible," said CASIS Director of Commercial Innovation Cynthia Bouthot. "Today's announcement of Goodyear sending an investigation to the space station further demonstrates that companies are thinking creatively to enhance their product lines, while also looking at humanitarian ways to improve the condition of our planet."

To learn more about the on-orbit capabilities of the ISS U.S. National Laboratory, including past research initiatives and available facilities, visit www.spacestationresearch.com.

About Goodyear: Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs about 64,000 people and manufactures its products in 48 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

About CASIS: The Center for Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) is the non-profit organization selected to manage the ISS U.S. National Laboratory with a focus on enabling a new era of space research to improve life on Earth. In this innovative role, CASIS promotes and brokers a diverse range of research in life sciences, physical sciences, remote sensing, technology development, and education. Since 2011, the ISS U.S. National Laboratory portfolio has included hundreds of novel research projects spanning multiple scientific disciplines, all with the intention of benefitting life on Earth. Working together with NASA, CASIS aims to advance the nation's leadership in commercial space, pursue groundbreaking science not possible on Earth, and leverage the space station to inspire the next generation.

About the ISS U.S. National Laboratory: In 2005, Congress designated the U.S. portion of the space station as the nation's newest national laboratory to maximize its use for improving life on Earth, promoting collaboration among diverse users, and advancing STEM education. This unique laboratory environment is available for use by other U.S. government agencies and by academic and private institutions, providing access to the permanent microgravity setting, vantage point in low Earth orbit, and varied environments of space.

SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company