Search Results

CLUSTER is a scientific space mission envisaging an investigation of the Earth's plasma environment. The paper gives a short overview of the thermal design of CLUSTER, with emphasis on some special thermal control design features. In the CLUSTER PFM TB/TV Test, the thermal control concept has been qualified and verified. The paper will describe the first results of the evaluation of the thermal behaviour of the Cluster PFM and the special design features in particular. In the text for some detailed information reference is made to SAE Paper 921325.

CLUSTER is a scientific space mission envisaging an investigation of the Earth's plasma environment. The paper gives a brief overview of the CLUSTER mission and spacecraft configuration. Following the description of the general thermal design concept, some CLUSTER specific features are presented. These include amongst others a passive control concept based on a low emissive spacecraft interior, a hybrid heater control system applying thermostat control and guard thermistors and a dedicated thermal control design for the complex Reaction Control System.