Thermal Performance of Embedded Heat Pipe Spacecraft Radiator Panels

The embedded heat pipe radiator panel is the thermal foundation for the present and future-generation three-axis-stabilized, geosynchronous communications spacecraft. This paper discusses design guidelines and analyzes the thermal performance of some commonly used heat pipe/panel configurations. Among the designs considered are an in-plane design with heat pipes bonded to each other in overlapping sections, an in-plane design with heat pipes crossing on two levels, and externally mounted heat pipes. The thermal performance parameters are quantified and compared as a function of radiator area and weight.