A multilayer insulation is provided that includes radiant barrier layers separated by one or more spacers. The spacers are configured to maintain separation and provide a low conductivity thermal path between adjacent radiant barrier layers of the multilayer insulation. In certain implementations, the spacers have a shape defined by the intersection of three orthogonally oriented discs and are disposed between two radiant barrier layers of the multilayer insulation. In other implementations, the spacers are mechanically coupled to and extend from a radiant barrier layer.