On-Orbit Thermal Performance Testing Of The Explorer Platform 941548
In order to characterize the thermal performance of the spacecraft at attitudes beyond initial constraints and to expand the operational envelope, on-orbit testing was performed. Plans and tradeoffs in preparing for the testing are discussed. Results are presented and compared with analytical predictions.
Although the payload and bus sections were only separately thermal vacuum tested prior to flight, results from the on-orbit testing indicate the integrated thermal design is robust. One thermal anomaly was discovered which is attributed to specular reflections from a radiator. The influence of the on-orbit testing results on spacecraft continuing operations is also discussed.
Citation: Penafiel, C., Wasson, D., Ducas, W., and Ousley, W., "On-Orbit Thermal Performance Testing Of The Explorer Platform," SAE Technical Paper 941548, 1994, https://doi.org/10.4271/941548. Download Citation
Author(s):
Catherine Penafiel, David Wasson, William Ducas, Wes Ousley
Affiliated:
Fairchild Space and Defense Corporation
Pages: 12
Event:
International Conference On Environmental Systems
ISSN:
0148-7191
e-ISSN:
2688-3627
Related Topics:
Spacecraft
Buses
Radiators
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