Development of a lightweight deployable/stowable radiator for interplanetary exploration

This paper experimentally and analytically evaluates the heat rejection/retention performance of a lightweight 100 W-class re-deployable radiator with environment-adaptive functions. This radiator, reversible thermal panel (RTP), which consists of flexible high thermal conductive graphite sheets and a single crystal shape memory alloy as a passive reversible actuator, changes its function from a radiator to a solar absorber by deploying/stowing the reversible fin upon changes in the heat dissipation and thermal environment. The RTP was considered as a candidate methodology for thermal control of Venus mission, PLANET-C, in order to save survival heater power. An RTP prototype was tested and evaluated. An analytical thermal model of the RTP was also developed, and basic performances of the RTP were evaluated. Thermal performance of the RTP when applied to the longwave infrared camera of the PLANET-C was evaluated with an analytical thermal model as functions of fin deployment directions and rear surface properties of the RTP’s fin. The analytical results showed that the RTP can save survival heater power in comparison to a conventional radiator.

► New thermal control device for spacecraft with high-thermal-conductivity graphite sheets.
► Heat rejection performance can be changed based on its temperature.
► Thermal vacuum test demonstrates autonomous thermal control performance.
► A case study was conducted, and effectiveness was analytically evaluated.