What Tape Is Used in MLI Blankets?
The Cassini mission helped answer that question—and it began with engineers looking for a tape that simply didn't exist.
Quick Answer
Modern spacecraft MLI blankets typically use specialized polyimide-based tapes designed for extreme temperatures, vacuum environments, and low outgassing. The exact construction depends on mission requirements, blanket design, and electrical performance needs.
The Cassini Story
During development of the Cassini spacecraft, engineers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory required a thermal blanket tape capable of meeting demanding environmental requirements. According to NASA Spinoff 2016, Dunmore worked with JPL to develop a solution when an existing commercial product could not satisfy the application.
Why MLI Blanket Tape Matters
While multilayer insulation receives most of the attention, the fastening system is equally important. Tape must maintain adhesion while surviving vibration, launch loads, radiation exposure, thermal cycling, and prolonged vacuum conditions without contaminating sensitive spacecraft hardware.
| Requirement | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Low Outgassing | Protects optics and sensitive instruments. |
| Thermal Stability | Survives extreme hot and cold cycles. |
| Mechanical Strength | Maintains blanket integrity through launch. |
| Vacuum Compatibility | Prevents degradation in space. |
Engineering Considerations
- Mission orbit and temperature profile
- Electrical grounding requirements
- Blanket construction method
- Material compatibility
- Qualification testing
Related Resources
From NASA Spinoff 2016
“We had a need for a robust tape we could bind our blankets with, and there wasn't a tape available with the various optical properties we needed.”
That engineering challenge led JPL to work with Dunmore to develop a specialized carbon-filled Kapton® polyimide tape reinforced with a woven scrim for the Cassini mission. The collaboration is documented in the NASA Spinoff 2016 publication .
Looking for space-qualified MLI blanket materials?
Dunmore works with spacecraft manufacturers developing multilayer insulation systems, thermal control materials, and precision engineered films for demanding aerospace missions.
