P2000 Insulation Systems

The use of radiant barriers started in the United States in the early 1930's and was used in residential and commercial buildings to insulate against the heat of the sun.

In the mid 1950s, radiant energy barriers became the subject of serious research and development when Mr. Clark Beck (engineer) explored, tested and introduced this new technology for use with NASA's space program.

NASA was looking for a way to protect astronauts from the extreme temperature shifts ranging from -273 degrees Celsius to +283 degrees Celsius.  They determined that if they used conventional insulation products, they would need a seven-foot thick protective layer.  Since this was absolutely impractical, they looked for alternatives and turned to radiant blocker technology and used reflective aluminum radiant barriers to line space suits.  The reflective material blocked out the intense radiant heat of the sun - keeping more than 95% of the radiant energy from reaching the inside of the spacesuit and maintained constant and comfortable temperatures inside the space suit.  At the same time, the astronaut's body heat was retained in the suit to keep him warm.  And because the "insulation" is thin and lightweight, the suit is relatively functional.

Radiant barriers have been used by NASA since the Gemini and Apollo missions.  They are a primary element in the environmental control system that enabled Apollo astronauts to work inside the Command Module in short-sleeves instead of bulky space suits.  Radiant barrier materials have been used on virtually every manned spacecraft and unmanned mission (where instruments needed insulation for thermal protection)

Today, radiant barrier technology is used in a variety of industrial applications.  It is used for protective clothing (e.g. Firemen), winter clothing, food packaging and storage, safety and survival equipment (survival blankets, fire blankets, etc) and as a radiant reflective barrier for construction (more common in warm climates for cooling).  Who could have anticipated that when Mr. Beck was testing and developing a practical insulation alternative for space travel that it would lead to so many practical applications in daily life.