SBIR 95-1 SOLICITATION

PROJECT SUMMARY

Contract Id:

Proposal Number:

04.02-2056

Project Title:

A LOW-DENSITY HIGH-TEMPERATURE FLEXIBLE INSULATION FOR SPACECRAFT THERMAL PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Technical Abstract:

This project will ivestigate a unique flexible insulation blanket suitable for the thermal protection system (TPS) of future spacecraft during atmospheric entry. Its temperature range is expected to be up to at least 1000OC (1800OF) and its density will be about 60% that of AFRSI (Advanced Flexible Reusable Surface Insulation) which is currently used in the Shuttle. This low density can be achieved by using a special, light weight barrier in a high temperature MultiLayer Insulation to inhibit convective and radiative heat transfer. Several configurations are described in the proposal. Prototypes of these designs will be made and tested according to ASTM methods. Data from the tests will be used to develop correlation curves that predict performance under a variety of conditions. TPS performance will be calculated for a particular NASA mission.

Potential Commercial Applications:

The next generation of commercial aircraft require improvements in the thermal insulation systems. The X33, and other transatmospheric vehicles, require special high temperature insulations on the fuselage. Current aircraft designs can be made more efficient by reducing the weight of the insulation system such as that used on the engine nacelle. Commercial aircraft will benefit greatly through improvements in insulation efficiency and reductions in insulation weight.

Name and Address of Offeror:

Stephen D. Miller
S.D. Miller & Associates
3350 N. Crest Street
Flagstaff AZ 86001