816
°C
MAX TEMPERATURE
1,500°F
0.04
W/m·K
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
0.14
KG/M³
DENSITY
19-25 mm
THICKNESS
TYPICAL
2.2 kg/m²
KG/M²
MASS PER AREA
1
VEHICLES
PROTECTED
THERMAL RATING
AFRSI (Advanced Flexible Reusable Surface Insulation) is a flexible blanket thermal protection system by Lockheed Martin. Rated to 816°C. Status: Retired (Shuttle).
ABOUT AFRSI (ADVANCED FLEXIBLE REUSABLE SURFACE INSULATION)
AFRSI is a quilted flexible blanket that replaced many LRSI tiles on the Space Shuttle, reducing maintenance time and cost. Each blanket consisted of a high-temperature ceramic fabric outer layer, silica batting insulation, and an inner fabric layer. AFRSI blankets are sewn together and bonded to the vehicle surface.
THERMAL PROPERTIES
Material TypeFlexible Blanket
Max Temperature816°C (1,500°F)
Thermal Conductivity0.04 W/m·K
AblativeNo
ReusableYes
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Density0.14 kg/m³
Thickness19-25 mm
Mass per Area2.2 kg/m² kg/m²
COMPOSITION
Nextel 440 outer fabric, Q-fiber felt batting, S-Glass inner fabric
VEHICLES USING AFRSI (ADVANCED FLEXIBLE REUSABLE SURFACE INSULATION)
Space Shuttle (upper surfaces, payload bay doors)
MISSION HISTORY
First MissionSTS-6 (Challenger)
First FlightApril 4, 1983
ManufacturerLockheed Martin
StatusRetired (Shuttle)
