PORTABLE INFRARED REFLECTOMETER Kristen Riley, DE-TPO, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899 (407) 867-2780. The NASA Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is seeking a company with which to initiate a Dual Use project for the development of a Portable Infrared Reflectometer. NASA currently uses an off the shelf item to determine the calculated infrared emissivity of multilayer insulation (MLI) blankets and other flight hardware surfaces. This measurement is critical for spacecraft thermal control since heat is transferred from a spacecraft to space by infrared emission. The emittance of MLI, vehicle, or payload surfaces is tested whenever specifications require - often pre- and post-flight, and always in the case of anomalies observed during visual inspections. The current item in use is 1960's bench test technology, which has been pressed into service as a field instrument on space vehicles and payloads. The unit's weight and short cable make access to reading locations extremely difficult. Development of a smaller, portable instrument is needed to meet NASA needs. The variable of prime concern is infrared emittance, however, for operational efficiency, it is desirable to combine the solar absorptance/emittance capability in the same instrument. KSC is interested in working with an industry partner(s) for joint development of a final design which will meet NASA's need as well as the industrial market needs. KSC's Dual Use Program, which offers a unique combination of resources to the industrial partner, will be employed for this effort. Companies interested in receiving information on this technology should contact Dan Winfield, Research Triangle Institute, at 919-541-6431 or by email at winfield@rti.org before May 17, 1996. For information on the KSC Dual Use Program, please contact Kristen Riley at 407-867-2780.

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