Design
| Enviro |
Astro | Propulsion
| Power | Thermal
| Structures | AD&C
| CDHS |
Test
These
common active devices
are
used if passive methods alone do not satisfactorily
control spacecraft temperatures.
Active
Commandable
heaters
are employed if passive radiators cannot dissipate
sufficient heat.
Electrically
controlled louvers are
moveable reflective shutters located on the spacecraft
surface between hot internal components and cool
space. Heat radiates away when these shutters are
opened and cools sensitive electronics. Louvers
are added if commandable heaters and passive radiators
do not dissipate sufficient heat.
Variable
conductance heat pipes
(VCHP) are similar to simple heat pipes but can
change their resistance with varying heat loads
and maintain nearly constant temperatures.
