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Spinoff story
Tank Insulation
A real-world story of NASA technology finding a life beyond the mission.
About this technology
Overview
Liquid hydrogen for the rocket engine in the Saturn V Moonbuster has to be contained at the super cold temperature of 423 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. Tanks have to be perfectly insulated to keep engine or solar heat from reaching fuel. McDonnell Douglas' answer was a supereffective insulation called 3D which consists of one-inch thickness of polyurethane foam reinforced in three dimensions with fiberglass threads. Advanced version of 3D is finding application in a part containment system for transporting liquefied natural gas by ship.