Aerogel Enhanced Thermal Management Systems for STSS

Aspen Aerogels, Inc proposes to develop and demonstrate improved insulation materials for thermal management systems in missile launch and detection platforms such as the Space Tracking and Surveillance System (STSS). The launch weight of the STSS andoperational reliability will be enhanced by flexible aerogel super insulation developed at Aspen Aerogels. New, non-dusting composites will be optimized during the Phase I program for thermal performance at 160 C at the lowest areal weight in a form thatis mechanically resilient to vibrational, acoustic, and shock loads common to vehicle launch. The advantages of the proposed core material over other available insulation materials for LEO applications are:¿ Ease of installation and retained performance for complex shapes¿ Density less than 3 pounds per cubic foot and reduced thickness (and launch weight)¿ Multifunctional characteristics - thermal insulation, micrometeorite protection, shock mitigationIn this Phase I program Aspen Aerogels will establish key thermal performance properties of candidate thermal management stack-ups (combined thermal insulators and conductors) relevant to STSS electronics payload designs being investigated by RaytheonCorporation. In the Phase II program, various designs for integrating aerogel super-insulation materials into the STSS thermal management sub-systems will be investigated and encapsulated prototypes tested. The benefits and commercialization opportunities of this Phase I proposal include: demonstration feasibility of aerogel thermal protection material in a space flight application, translating to launch weight savings and improved operational reliabilityfor many space platforms. The proposed technology will be applied to a broad range of military aerospace platforms as well as commercial shipping containers and avionics protection structures.