Click on any of the photos for a larger view 3M press release ADHESIVE FILM PROVIDES A CLEAR WINDOW TO THE WORLD An adhesive film that transmits 99% of incoming light helps a maker of laminated windows for the International Space Station meet stringent opticalclarity specs. The Optically Clear Laminating Adhesive 8141 from 3M, St. Paul, has a scant 0.1% haze level and is free of common defects such as bubbles and dirt because it’s manufactured in clean rooms. It also withstands the elements without delaminating or yellowing. Window maker Eyesaver International Inc., Hanover Mass., uses the film to attach a clear “scratch pane” to the inner surface on Space Station windows. The scratch pane protects the 0.5-in.thick windows from damage, keeps shards out should a window shatter, and provides a substrate for transparent, conductive, thin-film heaters. “The 3M product has excellent uniformity, creates zero optical distortion, and coats flat without voids,” explains Eyesaver’s Steve George. “Station builder Boeing says it’s clear enough to photograph through,” adds partner Matthew Smillie. ESI was selected by Boeing and NASA to laminate optically clear film for the International Space Station windows. ESI's lamination technicians are applying optically clear adhesive in preparation for the lamination of the International Space Station windows ESI soldering the electronically conductive wire and busbar to the International Space Station window to keep the window warm and prevent condensation.