The behavior of two nonlinear polymer-modulator materials irradiated by 63.3 MeV protons to a dose of 1 Mrad(Si) is reported. The effects of proton induced ionization and heating in disperse red 1/poly(methylmethacrylate) and in poly(ethylene dioxythiophene)/poly styrene sulphonate/poly(vinyl alcohol) thin films are discussed. Attenuation of the light transmission at an optical wavelength of (lambda) equals 0.6328 micrometers was measured in the polymer films, conductive coatings and their respective substrates. Comparison of these results with a recently reported study of related nonlinear polymer modulator materials exposed to protons is discussed. Conclusions and recommendations regarding the potential application of polymers in the near-Earth space environment are presented.