When Austrian textile innovator FreyZein set out to design a new kind of insulation, they looked up—to space. Thanks to the support of ESA BIC Austria, managed by Science Park Graz, and the ESA Spark Funding Austria programme, they developed a jacket that marries space-inspired technology with sustainable design, introducing TerraDown, an aerocellulose-based insulation that could change the future of outerwear.
Aerocellulose: Lightweight Warmth, Inspired by Space
At the heart of the jacket is aerocellulose, a material reminiscent of aerogels long used in spacecraft for thermal insulation. By incorporating aerocellulose, TerraDown manages to deliver impressive warmth without bulk. Unlike conventional down or synthetic fills, TerraDown is petrochemical-free, antibacterial, and vegan. Lightweight yet high performing, its monomaterial structure is designed for circularity and eco-friendly production. Applications go beyond jackets: from accessories to outdoor gear and even home textiles, TerraDown opens the door to a new era of sustainable insulation.
The aerocellulose
Currently, the material is not yet commercially available, but FreyZein is actively seeking joint development agreements with partners to explore new applications and bring the innovation to market.
Space Suit Inspiration in Everyday Design
The jacket developed with the support of ESA Spark Funding Austria is more than its insulation. Its design details nod to the functional minimalism of space suits:
- Adjustable cuffs with thumb holes and stretch cuffs ensure a snug fit that locks in heat, just as astronaut suits prioritise mobility and protection.
- A D-ring detail on the chest recalls tethering points on space suits, reimagined here as a practical tool for everyday carry.
- Invisible magnetic closures offer sleek functionality, echoing spacecraft engineering where efficiency is paramount.
- A drawstring hood brings adaptability, much like the modular components of exploration gear.
- Spacious flap and zipper pockets reflect the utility of astronaut suits, offering secure storage for tools, gear, or essentials.
The result is a garment that is futuristic yet wearable—engineered for adventure on Earth, but with one eye on the stars.
About FreyZein: Innovation from Austria’s Alpine Hubs
FreyZein is firmly rooted in Austria’s tradition of innovation and craftsmanship, with two locations driving its mission to redefine sustainable textiles.
Originally incubated in Science Park Graz in Styria, FreyZein continued to lay its foundation in the city: its headquarters are part of the Unicorn Innovation Hub, surrounded by leading universities and research centers such as the University of Graz, TU Graz, and Joanneum Research. In this environment—where alpine landscapes meet vibrant urban culture—creativity, science, and sustainability converge, providing constant inspiration for forward-looking design.
Complementing this base is FreyZein’s Research & Design hub in Dornbirn, Vorarlberg, a region with centuries of textile heritage and a unique position at the crossroads of Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Here, advanced lab facilities and testing capabilities allow the company to transform this legacy into tangible innovations, such as TerraDown.
Fashioning the Future
The collaboration between FreyZein and ESA Space Solutions Austria in 2023 and 2024 is more than a design story—it’s a blueprint for the future of sustainable, high-performance clothing. By combining space-grade innovation with Earth-conscious responsibility, the jacket points to a new model of how fashion and technology can intersect. While is not yet available to consumers, FreyZein is laying the groundwork for the future by welcoming collaborations with partners ready to push the boundaries of material science and sustainable design.
It’s a reminder that what keeps astronauts safe in the vacuum of space can also keep us warm on a windswept ridge—and that innovation aimed at the stars can help protect the planet we call home.
Discover the ESA BIC programme
