Ceramic insulation/multifoil composite for thermal protection of reentry spacecraftA new type of insulation blanket called Composite Flexible Blanket Insulation is proposed for thermal protection of advanced spacecraft in regions where the maximum temperature is not excessive. The blanket is a composite of two proven insulation materials: ceramic insulation blankets from Space Shuttle technology and multilayer insulation blankets from spacecraft thermal control technology. A potential heatshield weight saving of up to 500 g/sq m is predicted. The concept is described; proof of concept experimental data are presented; and a spaceflight experiment to demonstrate its actual performance is discussed.
Document ID
19890055911
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Pitts, W. C. (Eloret Institute Sunnyvale, CA, United States)
Kourtides, D. A. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)