Aerogel-Based Multi-Layer Insulation with Micrometeoroid Protection

Cryogenic fluid management (CFM) is a critical technical area needed for successful development of Mars architectures. The biggest challenge is the storage of cryogenic propellants for long durations. These propellants have boiling points well below the environmental temperatures of earth orbit or Mars; as such, the tanks must be regularly vented to prevent over pressurization if they are not well insulated. Such venting would cause unacceptable propellant losses for the long-duration missions to Mars. Aspen Aerogels proposes to develop a multifunctional thermal insulation system that offers micrometeoroid orbital debris (MMOD) protection and inherent radiation shielding to meet NASA's CFM needs. Low density and resilient aerogel materials will be developed to provide the needed thermal and MMOD protection for space cryotank applications. The aerogels developed will have inherent radiation shielding components. Development of the proposed novel multifunctional system will provide NASA with a long-term cryogenic fluid management solution for space applications.

The low cost aerogel insulation will be applicable and beneficial to industries ranging from aerospace to automotive, medicine, food processing, chemical processing and appliances. Some specific applications are as follows: Medical: Energy efficient storage of cryogens for medical use. Food Processing: In poultry and seafood processing, use of LN2 is quite common for quick freezing and preservation. Appliances: Refrigerators and freezers can use high performance aerogel insulation, either evacuated or unevacuated.

The development and optimization of Aspen's low cost and durable hybrid aerogel/MLI insulation system will be immediately useful for a wide variety of cryogenic applications such as in-space cryogenic tanks, transfer (pipelines) of cryogens / propellants, Mars exploration, and near earth orbit spacecraft. This material will be an excellent substitute for the expensive and cumbersome MLI for cryogenic insulation in space applications as well as other applications where weight, durability and maintenance of a thermal insulation are important.

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