Hybrid Honeycomb Panel Heat Rejection System

The evolution of a hybrid honeycomb panel heat rejection system concept for future high-power spacecraft is described. Performance evaluation of this heat pipe-based hybrid radiator is based on data and prediction models from a developmental component hardware testing program. The concept integrates three high-performance components into an optimized radiator system. These components are the sideflow heat pipe transport leg, honeycomb panel evaporator, and light-weight high-efficiency heat pipe fins. A 3.05 m (10 ft.) long hybrid radiator was designed considering remnant hardware available from other Hughes programs. Key performance objectives for the hybrid radiator were to demonstrate high thermal transport capacity, increased radiating fin lengths, improved thermal efficiency across structural boundaries, and reduced weight. Analysis showed that 9000 W can be transported over a 3.05 m radiator and that fin lengths of up to 1 m are possible.