Quest and Ball Aerospace build VCMLI samples
Quest is providing samples of a new launch vehicle insulation system called Vacuum Cellular MLI (VCMLI) for demonstration to United Launch Alliance. VCMLI can provide high thermal performance both in-air pre-launch and in-space. VCMLI is modeled to provide as low as 47 W/m2 in-air and 4.7 W/m2 in-space, compared to Spray On Foam Insulation with approx 236 W/m2 heat flux in-air. VCMLI uses Quest proprietary technology that provides a cryopumped cellular core with external Launch Vehicle MLI.