The Evolution of Flexible Insulation as Thermal Protection Systems for Reusable Launch Vehicles: AFRSI (Advanced Flexible Reusable Surface Insulation) to CRI (Conformal Reusable Insulation)

This viewgraph presentation gives an overview of the evolution of flexible insulation as a thermal protection system for reusable launch vehicles, Advanced Flexible Reusable Surface Insulation (AFRSI) to Conformal Reusable Insulation (CRI). Details are given on the approved use of AFRIS on the Shuttle Orbiter in June 1980, the first flight of AFRIS on STS-6, windward blanket development, composite flexible blanket insulation, and flight demonstrations.