As the space shuttle Atlantis, carrying DUNMORE Corporation's Multi-Layer Insulation (MLI) materials, completes the last journey of the 30-year program, DUNMORE is looking forward to a growing range of opportunities emerging all over the world to continue the shuttle's work.

Already a material supplier to NASA, the International Space Station and many of the public and private organizations launching satellites into orbit, DUNMORE expects steady growth in space program opportunities.

"The shuttle program taught us a lot about the market for space products. Given this knowledge and steady advances in material science, we're looking forward to a bigger presence in the market for space products," said DUNMORE Vice President John Jordon.

DUNMORE's MLI materials can replace heavier materials such as metals and composites used to shield sensitive space-based systems from cold, debris and radiation. The cargo bays on Atlantis and its retired sisters, Endeavor and Discovery, are lined with insulation blankets covered by DUNMORE thermal protection systems.

The insulation blankets protect the inside of the shuttle from extreme temperature fluctuations when the cargo bay doors are open. The outer layer of the MLI blanket is made up of a lightweight, tightly woven fabric coated with a fine layer of aluminum that protects the MLI system from tearing or being punctured by micro-debris. It also provides protection from solar radiation.

DUNMORE has supplied protective materials to the current generation of GPS satellites and will be supplying to the next-generation GPS III program that will encompass a minimum of 30 new satellites. DUNMORE materials can also be found on the Hubble Space Telescope and most recently launched NASA/JPL Aquarius spacecraft.

"Weight is everything on a space launch. We can provide materials consisting of 10 layers of film that weighs almost nothing yet has the same protective properties as aluminum. One pound of payload is a lot of money in a space launch, so anything that cuts weight is significant," said Jordon.

"We've accrued years of experience helping cut a little weight here and a little weight there. It adds up."