DYNEEMA® FIBER USED IN “SPACE MAIL” DELIVERY EXPERIMENT: SWINGING TETHER MADE WITH DYNEEMA® ATTEMPTS TO RETURN SATELLITE TO EARTH WITHOUT RETRO ROCKET

URMOND (NL), 28 September 2007 - DSM Dyneema today announced its ultra-strong, lightweight Dyneema® polyethylene fiber was chosen by Delta-Utec, one of the world's leading experts in the field, to be used in a swinging tether experiment in space. The experiment entailed the attempted return of a capsule from space without the need for rocket propulsion. The “Space Mail” delivery of the second Young Engineers’ Satellite (YES2) capsule – which was lofted into space on Sept. 14 – made use of the unique qualities and performance of Dyneema® fiber. The total tether had a length of 30 km, with a weight of only 5.5 kg. Also, only a 0.5 mm thickness was required, due to the exceptional strength of Dyneema®.

Experimenting with the use of tethers instead of retro rockets to return payloads to Earth offers benefits of simplicity and reduced fuel costs. Although the (secondary) goal of setting a new world record was not met, the YES2 team-members were pleased with the results of this experiment. According to Jaco Fok, Business Manager Yarn DSM Dyneema, “Only Dyneema® fiber could deliver the unique combination of strength, light weight and low elongation that was required for the experiment with the swinging tether. Dyneema® helped take science a step forward in “space mail” delivery research, for the benefit of future experiments and satellite missions.”

Surf to www.yes2.info for more information on the YES2 experiment

About DSM Dyneema

DSM Dyneema is the inventor and manufacturer of Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™. Dyneema® is an ultra strong polyethylene fiber that offers maximum strength combined with minimum weight. It is up to 15 times stronger than quality steel and up to 40% stronger than aramid fibers, both on weight for weight basis. Dyneema® floats on water and is extremely durable and resistant to moisture, UV light and chemicals. The applications are therefore more or less unlimited. Dyneema® is an important component in ropes, cables and nets in the fishing, shipping and offshore industries. Dyneema® is also used in safety gloves for the metalworking industry and in fine yarns for applications in sporting goods and the medical sector. In addition, Dyneema® is also used in bullet resistant armor and clothing for police and military personnel.

Dyneema® is produced in Heerlen (The Netherlands) and in Greenville, North Carolina (U.S.A.). DSM Dyneema is also a partner in a high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) manufacturing joint venture in Japan. Further information on DSM Dyneema is available at www.dyneema.com.

About DSM

DSM creates innovative products and services in life sciences and materials sciences contributing to the quality of life. DSM's products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and enjoyable way of living. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrics & electronics, life protection and housing. The company strategy, Vision 2010 - Building on Strengths, focuses on accelerating profitable and innovative growth of the company's specialties portfolio. The key drivers of this strategy are market-driven growth and innovation, an increased presence in emerging economies and operational excellence. DSM has annual sales of almost €9 billion and employs some 22,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and Australia. More information on DSM can be found at www.dsm.com.

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