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Integrated thermal insulation system for spacecraft

  • US 5,803,406 A
  • Filed: 04/22/1996
  • Issued: 09/08/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/22/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A thermal protection system (TPS) for a spacecraft defining a front and a rear while in aerodynamic flight and having an external skin, the TPS comprising:

  • a support frame attached to the skin of the spacecraft;

    at least a first thermally insulative panel positionable on the support frame, the first panel including a first edge;

    at least a second thermally insulative panel positionable on the support frame adjacent the first panel, the second panel including a second edge configured for interlocking engagement with the first edge of the first panel;

    at least one alignment pin on the second panel and engageable with the first panel to align and interlock the panels together; and

    at least one hold down fastener engageable with the support frame and the first panel to hold the first panel onto the frame.

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