• multi
• spacers
• radiative
• blanket
• thermal
• groudings
• attachments
• edge-wrapping
• edging
• mattress
• mli
• layer
• insulation
• mass
• 3DX
• eco-design
• carbon footprint
• environmental impact

The Multi-Layer Insulations (MLI) products are addressed in this thesis. An MLI is a thermal blanket whose objective is to protect the satellite (or part of it) from the extreme thermal radiative environment that can be found in space. Along its orbit, a satellite sees an average range of temperature of ±250°C, mostly due to sun irradiance. As thermal protection, MLIs cover almost entirely the external face of satellites, but also the internal components to isolate the hotter equipment.
This thesis deals mainly with the design and the technology improvment of the MLI products. In particular, three main topics are tackled: the development of a model and a tool to assess their mass with an error of less than 5%, and assign them automatically in the DMU (Digital Mock-up); the research and development of new edge-wrapping technologies; and the creation of a eco-design tool in order to assess the environmental impact of such systems.