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Early Mission Performance of the TOPEX/Poseidon Thermal Control Subsystem
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English
Abstract
The TOPEX/Poseidon S/C, a joint venture between NASA and CNES, was launched from Kourou, French Guyana aboard an Ariane 42P launch vehicle on 10 August 1992. The primary objective of the mission is to perform precise measurements of ocean surface topography utilizing radar altimetry from a precision circular orbit with an altitude of 1335 km and an inclination of 66.25°. The S/C consists of an Instrument Module, which houses the primary instruments and S/C support equipment, and the Multimission Modular Spacecraft Standard Bus. The thermal design of the S/C includes multi-layer insulation, fixed radiators, shielded and unshielded louvers, constant-conductance heat pipes, and thermostatically and proportionally controlled heaters.
This paper assesses the performance of the TOPEX/Poseidon TCS from the start of pre-launch activities throughout the first 45 days in orbit. During this time period, the spacecraft experienced initial checkout and instrument turn-on, various orbital adjustment maneuvers, and normal operational modes over a wide range of environmental conditions. The flight temperature telemetry is compared with S/C thermal math model predictions. The ability to quickly produce accurate temperature predictions for any scenario is discussed.
The S/C TCS is performing as expected with the telemetry indicating that all components are operating within their allowable temperature ranges during normal mission modes and within 5°C of the flight thermal model predictions.
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Citation
Ducas, F., "Early Mission Performance of the TOPEX/Poseidon Thermal Control Subsystem," SAE Technical Paper 932154, 1993, https://doi.org/10.4271/932154.Also In
References
- TOPEX/Poseidon Mission Description, JPL D-601, Revision B December 1985
- Cleveland P. E. Braun C. E. “Thermal Design of the TOPEX/Poseidon Instrument Module,” 20th International Conference on Environmental Systems SAE Paper No. 901241 Williamsburg, VA July 9-12, 1990
- Cleveland P. E. DeMauro F. “Thermal Balance Test of the TOPEX/Poseidon Satellite,” 22nd International Conference on Environmental Systems SAE Paper No. 921368 Seattle, WA July 13-16, 1992
- Thermal Radiation Analysis System II User's Manual National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Lyndon B. Johnson Spacecraft Center October 1986
- SINDA 1987/ANSI User's Manual Network Analysis Associates 21 October 1987
- TOPEX/Poseidon Project Final Report, JPL Contract No. 957849, DRD No. SP002, Item No. 006 10 December 1992