Patent ID: 7252890

Claim:
A multi-layer insulation blanket providing thermal protection to a spacecraft portion comprising: a portion of the spacecraft on which thermal protection is desirable; and a multi-layer insulation blanket attachable on the portion of the spacecraft to provide thermal protection to the portion of the spacecraft, said multi-layer insulation blanket including: an outer sheet of thermally insulative plastic material, said outer sheet having a reflective surface on a side of said outer sheet of thermally insulative plastic material facing space when said multi-layer insulation blanket is attached to the spacecraft; at least one inner sheet of thermally insulative plastic material between said outer sheet of thermally insulative plastic material and the spacecraft when said multi-layer insulation blanket is attached to the spacecraft; a coating of anti-contaminant material overlying said reflective surface of said outer sheet of thermally insulative plastic material, said coating of anti-contaminant material being effective to induce the breakdown of organic residues on said outer surface of said outer sheet of thermally insulative plastic material in the presence of solar radiation, said coating of anti-contaminant material having a thickness no greater than 200 nanometers; and an outermost electrically conductive layer overlying said coating of anti-contaminant material.