4 ms·
There’s typically about 10 layers, each an aluminized plastic (Mylar or kapton). Usually the outer layer only is kapton since it’s more resistant to degradation
by johnwalkr 6y ago
There’s typically about 10 layers, each an aluminized plastic (Mylar or kapton). Usually the outer layer only is kapton since it’s more resistant to degradation from UV light.
- PaulHoule 6y agoI bought mylar films for about $1 a piece that cover some of the windows that get the most insolation on hot days. These are claimed to reflect 90% of sunlight and the feeling on my skin and my camera's exposure meter agree with that. I think each layer of 'space blanket' on the satellite has about the same transmission as the Wal-Mart space blanket, so with 10 layers you are decoupled from the Sun and resistant to micrometerioid scratches, spots of corrosion, etc. There is the UV-light problem but also atomic oxygen and other reactive species out of equilibrium that will eat some materials.