An (Integrated) Thermal Micrometeoroid Garment (TMG or ITMG) is the outer layer of a space suit. The TMG has three functions: to insulate the suit occupant and prevent heat loss, to shield the occupant from harmful solar radiation, and to protect the astronaut from micrometeoroids and other orbital debris, which could puncture the suit and depressurize it. (This latter function is provided for spacecraft by Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) Protection systems.[1])
The specific design of TMGs varies between different space agencies and different suits, though they all serve the same purpose.
- ^ "Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) Protection" (PDF). NASA. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 26, 2010. Retrieved 2013-05-10.