Quest Thermal, working with our client, has designed a lightweight thermal insulation system that provides low heat leak in-air on ground, and improved performance at high altitudes. Structural discrete spacers self support a thin vacuum shell, providing heat flux as low as 0.3W/m2, and estimated LH2 mass fractions near 80%.

Load Responsive MLI (LRMLI) uses a dynamic spacer and a modular, lightweight vacuum shell to withstand atmospheric loads. LRMLI provides both high thermal performance in-air, and ultra-high performance on-orbit. LRMLI is a SOFI replacement system with substantially higher performance. The LRMLI system is the most durable product in the next generation MLI product family.

The product family includes Launch Vehicle MLI (LVMLI), which offers the insulating properties of IMLI with a robust structure and more durable outer layer to withstand aerodynamic launch loads. LVMLI offers more structural strength than IMLI to withstand aerodynamic loads in the launch environment.

New vehicles need improved cryogenic propellant storage and transfer capabilities for long duration missions. Multilayer insulation (MLI) for cryogenic propellant feedlines is much less effective than MLI tank insulation, with heat leak into spiral wrapped MLI on pipes 3 to 10X higher than conventional tank MLI.

Integrated Multi-Layer Insulation (IMLI) is a next generation ultra-high performance thermal insulation. IMLI uses Discrete Spacer Technology™ to improve thermal performance and predictability and offers significant advantages over traditional MLI and Spray-On Foam Insulation (SOFI). IMLI provides improved thermal performance from low conductivity discrete spacers with controlled inter-layer spacing and density, and results in reduced system power and improved cryogenic system life.

Outstanding Small Business of the Year: Quest Thermal Group located at 6452 Fig St. www.questthermal.com - for their groundbreaking work in developing and ma...