Use of cobalt sulfide (black dye) anodize for thermal control of the Space Station Freedom airlock

This paper presents six thermal design options of the Space Station Freedom (SSF) airlock and shows the important role that exterior coatings had in minimizing heater power. Options included using anodized coatings separately or in combination, employing fans to circulate interior air, and using a solar shade that eliminates the adverse effect of degrading optical properties. The design that is most efficient, in terms of cost and minimum heater power, and that meets all temperature requirements, has a black anodized exterior finish and uses a maximum of 410 watts of heater power.