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The Variable Radioisotope Heater Unit for the Cassini Spacecraft
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English
Abstract
This paper describes the Variable Radioisotope Heater Unit; its development, performance, and effectiveness at controlling the temperatures for the Cassini spacecraft thruster clusters.
To explore the Saturn system, the Cassini spacecraft relies on the electrical power from three Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators, but the large power demand for science and engineering functions severely limits the electrical power available for temperature control purposes. The Variable Radioisotope Heater Unit combines the heating- and temperature-control functions into one nonelectrical self-controlled unit, thereby freeing up electrical heater power for other uses on the spacecraft.
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Citation
Lyra, J. and Stultz, J., "The Variable Radioisotope Heater Unit for the Cassini Spacecraft," SAE Technical Paper 941268, 1994, https://doi.org/10.4271/941268.Also In
References
- Kohlhase, C. “The Cassini Mission to Saturn,” The Planetary Report XIII 4 July/August 1993
- Mireles, V. Stultz, J. W. “Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Waste Heat System for the Cassini Propulsion Module,” SAE 5th European Symposium on Space Environmental Control Systems and the 24th International Conference on Environmental Systems Friedrichshafen, Germany June 20-23 1994