Quilted insulation blankets like this covered parts of the space shuttle orbiter as a passive thermal control system. Made of multiple alternating layers of a thin reflective, heat-resistant plastic (Kapton) and a mesh net material (Dacron) covered by a quilted silica fabric, they helped maintain the temperature of the vehicle and its systems and components over the range of heat and cold exposure in space. Lightweight flexible blankets were easy to install and replace. When the space shuttle program ended, NASA released to museums many spare or used insulating tiles and blankets as examples of the orbiters' thermal protection materials. This sample from the payload bay area arrived in 2015.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
EQUIPMENT-Miscellaneous
Manufacturer
Rockwell International
Dimensions
3-D (Blanket): 1.6 × 53.7 × 116.8cm (5/8 in. × 1 ft. 9 1/8 in. × 3 ft. 10 in.)
Other (Diagonal Length): 61.9cm (2 ft. 3/8 in.)
Materials
Synthetic Fabrics (May Include Silica Fibers)
Uncharacterized Threads (Possible Quartz)
Possible Kapton
Possible Dacron (Polyethylene Terephthalate Spunbonded Fabric)
Inks
Plastics
Inventory Number
A20181683000
Credit Line
Transferred from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Kennedy Space Center
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.