Browse Publications Technical Papers 2007-01-3126
2007-07-09

Optimization of Tuneable Emittance Smart Coatings for Thermal Control in Small Satellites 2007-01-3126

MPB has developed advanced technologies based on smart radiator devices with thin-film tiles (SRDs) employing V1-x-yMxNyOn, for the passive dynamic thermal control of space structures and payloads. M and N dopants tailor the transition temperature characteristics of the tuneable IR emittance.
The SRD has successfully passed major ground tests and validated its performance for extended use in the harsh space environment, with a target of up to 15 years GEO, in preparation for a flight demonstration of the technology [1]. This paper describes the optimization and validation of the SRD as an efficient thermal control system with tuneable thermo-optical properties for a microsat mission.
The optimization involves tailoring the transition temperature characteristics of the tuneable IR emittance to near room temperature by using Tungsten-doped Vanadium targets for the deposition of V1-xWxOn. An additional layer is being investigated in order to bias the emittance tuneability upwards while maintaining the emittance tuneability. This will minimize the required radiator area for a given heat load. A multiple layer coating based on quarter-wavelength (e.g. SiOn/VOn) selective solar reflector is being employed to minimize the solar optical absorption that has a peak intensity near 500 nm.
MPB's passive thin-film SRD can be applied to Al thermal radiators as a direct replacement for the existing OSR (optical second-reflector) radiator tiles with a net added mass under 100 gm/m2 but with the added benefits of dynamic variation in the thermal radiation to space to significantly improve the thermal stability of the spacecraft for varying operating conditions at a significant mass and power savings relative to traditional techniques.

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