NASA Spacecraft Thermal Control (Space Vehicle Design Criteria (Chemical Propulsion))

Spacecraft have an array of components which can operate reliably only in a hospitable thermal environment. The thermal control system is designed to provide a favorable environment for operation of scientific instruments and other equipment vital to the mission by limiting temperature variations to within specified design limits. Thus thermal control is a system function that involves many factors. This NASA handbook provides guidance for assessment and control of spacecraft temperatures. It covers the many ways engineers can control temperatures in a hostile and changing environment. The text includes considerable mathematical formulae and equations, all necessary for calculating thermal factors. There are also abundant graphs and illustrations that make each concept clear. Without doubt, this book represents advanced NASA concepts and design practices that will be of value and interest also to designers of racing cars, boats, and high-speed aircraft. "Amateur" experimental rocketeers will also find much useful material and data. Printed directly from a NASA digital document file, with a high-resolution laser printer on high-quality, bright-white, acid-free paper and quality bound for years of reference use. Heat balance The thermal model The orbital external thermal environment Radiative properties Insight into temperature control methods Exposure to external environment Insulation from external environment Thermal control techniques Passive thermal control Thermal coating materials Thermal insulation Heat sinks Phase change materials Active thermal control techniques Electrical heaters Heater-pump-radiator (HPR) fluid systems Thermal louvers Heat pipes Spaceborne cooling systems Flight and design experience Testing Thermal balance testing Thermal vacuum testing Test conditions Test duration Testing uncertainties Other considerations Criteria Definition of requirements Specification of temperature limits Temperature control Testing