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Aspen Aerogels Awarded $2.5 Million Contract From Air Force Research Laboratory to Develop Custom-Fit Insulation Blankets for Satellites
NORTHBOROUGH, Mass., October 21, 2009 – Aspen Aerogels, Inc., has been awarded a $2.5 Million Phase III SBIR contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory, Space Vehicles Directorate entitled "Rapid Fabrication of Aerogel Thermal Insulation for Space Applications." The project scope is to develop custom-fit insulation blankets that will replace conventional multi-layer insulation (MLI) currently used on satellites. The effort is directed to Responsive Space (RS) applications. The RS mission targets satellite assembly and launch within six days of the needs request. Aerogel offers several advantages over MLI, including significantly reduced installation time, increased handling durability, lower installed cost, and highly predictable performance. Based on previous work, aerogel blankets have been installed on two satellites, one which launched successfully in May 2009.
Aspen is partnered with Aerospace Fabrication and Materials, LLC, of Farmington, Minn., on this project. The team will be developing and delivering a system that will pattern, cut and package the aerogel at the satellite assembly site for quick turn around and installation of the insulation. MLI cannot be manufactured and installed within the required RS timeline, and as such, aerogel is a key enabling technology.
About Aspen Aerogels
Aspen Aerogels supplies reinforced, nanoporous aerogel insulation products that are up to eight times more effective than other insulation materials. Aspen's insulation solutions deliver thermal and other benefits that enable customers to conserve energy and save money in a variety of industries including: oil and gas production and processing, LNG shipping and storage, outdoor apparel, building and construction, appliance, transportation, military and aerospace. Aspen manufactures its three lines of products (Spaceloft, Cryogel and Pyrogel) at a state-of-the-art, high-capacity plant in East Providence, R.I. For more information, visit www.aerogel.com for details.
