The European Space Agency is presently funding the development of a new facility which could be used for the thermal control of :
automated space platforms such as EURECA
the modules of the future space station
other manned space vehicule such as HERMES.
The reasons for the development of such a facility are presented and the design requirements are given, mainly the pressure head-flow rate characteristics and the noise levels.
The potential near future users are mentionned.
A description of the Freon Pump Package is given including a lay-out, a mass breakdown, a system block diagramme, together with the design objectives and the design philosophy to achieve a very low level of noise.
A special emphasis is given to the flow rate regulation modes which have been incorporated in the FPP design.
The paper concentrates on the tradeoffs performed to select the main components of the pump unit which is the central active part of the FPP. The electric motor, bearing and pump candidates are reviewed and the final choice is given.
The paper ends with the presentation of the design of the pump unit and of its estimated performance.