Shuttle Orbiter Radiator Performance during the OFT Program

The Space Shuttle Orbiter has completed its orbital flight test program and is presently in its operational phase. A critical element in its on-orbit operations is the performance of its radiators in rejecting waste heat. The performance of the radiator system was carefully monitored throughout the flight test program. Therefore, heat rejection data has been gathered in a variety of space environmental conditions and operational configurations.

This paper presents an evaluation of the heat rejection performance of the Orbiter radiator system during the test program. A discussion of the analytical tools used in predicting the system's performance is included. Further discussion is made about the future expectations of radiator performance and the effects it will have on Orbiter operations.