Abstract: An article of laminate construction comprising an underlayer of polycarbonate polymer material 16 to which is applied a chemically resistant outer layer of polysulfone material 17. The layers 16, 17 which are joined by compression-heat molding, are moldable to form the shape of a body protective shell such as a space helmet 10 comprising a shell 18 of polycarbonate, polysulfone laminate construction attached at its open end to a sealing ring 19 adapted for connection to a space suit. The front portion of the shell 18 provides a transparent visor for the helmet. An outer visor 25 of polycarbonate polysulfone polymer laminate construction is pivotally mounted to the sealing ring 19 for covering the transparent visor portion of the shell 18 during extravehicular activities. The polycarbonate under layer of the outer visor 25 is coated on its inner surface with a vacuum deposit of gold to provide additional thermal radiation resistance.

Abstract: Composite flexible multilayer insulation systems (MLI) were evaluated for thermal performance and compared with currently used fibrous silica (baseline) insulation system. The systems described are multilayer insulations consisting of alternating layers of metal foil and scrim ceramic cloth or vacuum metallized polymeric films quilted together using ceramic thread. A silicon carbide thread for use in the quilting and the method of making it are also described. These systems are useful to provide lightweight thermal insulation for a variety of uses, particularly on the surface of aerospace vehicles subject to very high temperatures during flight.