A report describes the development of a lightweight thermal insulation system for Martian surface applications. The ambient Martian atmosphere, which is predominantly carbon dioxide at a pressure of 10 torr, is used as the insulation medium with a modest multiple radiation shield enclosure. The carbon dioxide has a thermal conductivity that is very close to traditional insulation, and the carbon dioxide is naturally available on the Martian surface. Preformed Mylar spacers that are affixed to the hardware create the necessary standoff distance from the enclosure.
This work was done by Gajanana Birur, Glenn Tsuyuki, and James Stultz of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. To obtain a copy of the report, "Novel light weight Thermal Insulation for Martian Environment using Carbon Dioxide gas," access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.nasatech.com/tsp under the Materials category.
NPO-20978
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Thermal Insulation Would Use CO2 in the Martian Environment
(reference NPO-20978) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document presents a groundbreaking advancement in thermal insulation technology specifically designed for applications on Mars. It introduces a novel lightweight insulation system that leverages the abundant carbon dioxide present in the Martian atmosphere. This innovative approach aims to address the challenges of thermal regulation in the harsh Martian environment, which is crucial for the success of future missions and habitats on the planet.
The insulation system is characterized by its significant reduction in weight and fabrication costs compared to traditional thermal insulation materials. This is particularly important for space missions, where minimizing weight can lead to lower launch costs and increased payload capacity. By utilizing local resources, such as Martian carbon dioxide, the proposed insulation system not only enhances efficiency but also aligns with sustainable practices in space exploration.
The research is spearheaded by a team of talented inventors from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), who have conducted extensive studies to validate the effectiveness of this new insulation technology. The document outlines the methodology used in developing the insulation, including the materials and processes involved in its creation. It also discusses the thermal performance of the insulation system, demonstrating its ability to maintain stable temperatures in the extreme conditions found on Mars.
In addition to its technical specifications, the document highlights the potential applications of this insulation system in various Martian missions, including habitats, rovers, and scientific instruments. By ensuring that equipment and living spaces remain thermally regulated, the insulation system plays a critical role in supporting human life and scientific research on Mars.
Overall, this document serves as a comprehensive overview of an innovative solution that addresses one of the key challenges of Martian exploration. It emphasizes the importance of utilizing in-situ resources to create effective and efficient technologies that can support long-term human presence on Mars. The advancements presented in this document could pave the way for future missions, making it a significant contribution to the field of space exploration and planetary science.
