Rigidized, low density, insulation

DETAILED DESCRIPTION We claim: 1.
A thermal insulating device adapted for use as the exterior coating of a space vehicle which consists essentially of a rigid carbon-carbon foam having an elastomeric foam pad bonded to the rear surface thereof and having a chemically deposited coating, selected from the group consisting of pyrolytic carbon and silicon nitride, applied to the front and side surfaces thereof.
2.
The device of claim 1 wherein said rigid carbon-carbon foam contains a plurality of carbon fibers.
3.
The device of claim 1 wherein said vapor deposited coating is pyrolytic carbon.
4.
The device of claim 1 wherein said vapor deposited coating is silicon nitride.
5.
The device of claim 1 wherein the thickness of said rigid foam is in the approximate range of 0.
25 to 3.
0 inch.
6.
The device of claim 1 wherein the thickness of said elastomeric foam pad is in the approximate range of 60 to 120 mils.




Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Most satellites which operate in earth orbit require some form of enriconmental control to maintain a thermal balance between the satellite components and the extremes of the low temperature space background and the radiative flux from the sun.
These satellites employ a variety of standard techniques including thermal control coatings, radiators and multilayer insulation (MLI) to achieve this thermal balance.
These thermal control systems utilize a variety of materials depending upon application and configuration but they generally have similar properties of lightweight, low outgassing, and high UV stability.
Consequently, most of the subsystems have not been designed with any need for very high temperature stability.
Rigid low-density ceramic insulation can be used in areas requiring structural support over a span where flexible insulating materials may cause dynamic load or flutter problems.
The insulation characteristic of rigid insulation foams is proportional to thickness.
Rigid foam can never completely replace multilayer insulation because to have equal insulation capability, the thickness of such rigid foam must be quite large