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Current Issues in Human Spacecraft Thermal Control TechnologyEfficient thermal management of Earth-orbiting human spacecraft, lunar transit spacecraft and landers, as well as a lunar habitat will require advanced thermal technology. These future spacecraft will require more sophisticated thermal control systems that can dissipate or reject greater heat loads at higher input heat fluxes while using fewer of the limited spacecraft mass, volume and power resources. The thermal control designs also must accommodate the harsh environments associated with these missions including dust and high sink temperatures. The lunar environment presents several challenges to the design and operation of active thermal control systems. During the Apollo program, landings were located and timed to occur at lunar twilight, resulting in a benign thermal environment. The long duration polar lunar bases that are foreseen in 15 years will see extremely cold thermal environments. Long sojourns remote from low-Earth orbit will require lightweight, but robust and reliable systems. Innovative thermal management components and systems are needed to accomplish the rejection of heat from lunar bases. Advances are required in the general areas of radiators, thermal control loops and equipment. Radiators on the Moon's poles must operate and survive in very cold environments. Also, the dusty environment of an active lunar base may require dust mitigation and removal techniques to maintain radiator performance over the long term.
Document ID
20080009739
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Ungar, Eugene K.
(NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
February 10, 2008
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: Space Technology and Applications International Forum
Location: Albuquerque
Country: Mexico
Start Date: February 10, 2008
End Date: February 14, 2008
Sponsors: Institute for Space and Nuclear Power
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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