Patent ID: 8211516

Claim:
A multi-layer insulation (MLI) composite material, comprising: a first thermally-reflective layer; a second thermally-reflective layer spaced from the first thermally-reflective layer, at least one of the first or second thermally-reflective layers including bandgap material that is reflective to infrared electromagnetic radiation and transmissive to at least one of visible electromagnetic radiation or radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation, wherein the bandgap material includes at least one of a photonic crystal, a semiconductor material that exhibits an electronic bandgap, or a material that exhibits both an electronic bandgap and at least one photonic bandgap; and a region between the first and second thermally-reflective layers that impedes heat conduction between the first and second thermally-reflective layers, wherein the region is at least partially evacuated or includes at least one of a low thermal conductivity aerogel, a low thermal conductivity foam, or a low thermal conductivity mass of fibers.