James Hansen describes the work on Project Echo s air density experiment known as the  Sub-Satellite.  Before launch engineers subjected the sub-satellite to many tests. Here, the sub-satellite is shown prior to tests  to determine the capacity of the 30-inch  Sub-Satellite  to withstand the high temperature of direct sunlight in space, Langley researchers subjected it to 450  F heat test. Results indicated that the aluminum-covered Mylar plastic would effectively reflect the dangerous heat.  -- Published in James R. Hansen, Spaceflight Revolution: NASA Langley Research Center From Sputnik to Apollo, NASA SP-4308, p. 168.
Echo 30" Sub Satellite