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Rosetta-Journey in the Outer Solar System Without Nuclear Energy
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English
Abstract
Interplanetary spacecraft which are operating in the outer solar system are normally powered by Radioisotopic Thermoelectric Generators. The European (ESA) scientific spacecraft Rosetta however, which shall explore the comet „Wirtanen” begining in the year 2011, shall be powered by low-intensity, low-temperature solar cells even for Sun distances of up to 5.25 AU. To keep the solar array area within feasible sizes, strict power saving is mandatory. Heater power is saved by mitigating the large solar flux differences between hot and cold cases by the thermal design.
The resulting thermal design features are louver radiators, superior performance insulation, two stage radiant cooler and electrical heaters. Heater power is saved by reducing the difference between the external heat load in the hot and cold cases by the configuration and the attitudes of the spacecraft which shadow louver radiators and payload from direct sun radiation. Additionally the temperature ranges of the units are wider as usual to allow the minimisation of radiator areas and heater power. Those louvers which are not shadowed from direct solar radiation are covered by external optical-solar-reflector coated panels.
Authors
Citation
Braig, A. and Keller, K., "Rosetta-Journey in the Outer Solar System Without Nuclear Energy," SAE Technical Paper 961380, 1996, https://doi.org/10.4271/961380.Also In
References
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- Eckert K. Keller K. Thermal Control in Extraterrestrial Planetary Environment ESA Thermal Technology Study December 1993
- Kolbe D. et.al. Rosetta Spacecraft System Description 29 01 1996
- Fairchild Space Company Germantown, Maryland, USA Louvers Product Information
- Stimpson L.D. Jaworsky W. Jet Propulsion Laboratory Pasadena, Cal. USA Effects of Overlaps, Stitches and Patches on Multilayer Insulation AIAA Paper No. 72-285 April 1972
- Donohoe Sherman A. NASA GSFC Greenbelt, Maryland, USA Radiant Coolers - Theory, Flight Histories, Design Comparisons and Future Applications and Future Applications AIAA Paper No. 75-184 January 1975