Thermal Control Test and Verification for the International Space Station - Approach and Status

The Test and Verification (T&V) approach for the thermal control systems of the ISS involves a combination of test, analysis and other approaches to confirm that the design meets ISS requirements. The maturity of the designs used in ISS varies from a design for Functional Cargo Block (FGB) that has been proven to be functional on the Mir space station to new design developments for heat pipe passive cooling networks and single phase ammonia systems for thermal conditioning of the USOS.

The approach to thermal T&V considers the design maturity and the nature of the system under evaluation. The approach for each area of the ISS is described in this paper as is the status of the T&V activities.

In addition to the approach taken in each area, an overview of the results obtained is provided.