Trw Limited

David W Lee

Ramon Coronel

Howard S Eller

Lee E Elliott

Alfred Barrett

A spacecraft electronics equipment module that is thermally independent of a core spacecraft structure to which it can be mounted. The module takes the form of a thermal radiation panel on which electronic components are directly mounted. The panel is attachable to the core structure and includes its own double-sided radiator for cooling of the electronics components, an integral heater for raising the temperature is needed, a thermal controller, for automatically regulating the temperature of the module components, and heatpipes for distributing the heat more uniformly across the radiating surfaces.

Self-contained thermal control for a spacecraft module

A spacecraft structure using functionally independent modules assembled around a lightweight core structure to provide a vehicle that is lighter, uses less volume, and is easier to design, manufacture and test than a conventional spacecraft. In the disclosed embodiments, the modules are formed on generally flat panels, which serve as thermal radiators. The modules extend radially from the core structure and are attached to the core structure either in coplanar rows that extend axially along the core structure or in a coplanar set that extends circumferentially around the core structure. Interconnection between modules is achieved through a backbone interface, through which the modules are connected to the core structure. A large number of variant configurations may be implemented using the modular approach, by selecting a core, components and modules of number and size to meet mission requirements. The modular spacecraft may be easily designed and adapted to operate with its radiating modules facing in north-south directions for maximum thermal radiation, or in other orientations as needed for specific missions. All of the configurations have the advantage that they occupy a relatively small volume and allow large components, such as antennas and solar arrays, to be stowed for launch in the ample spaces between rows of modules.

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Torrance, CA, United States of America

David W Lee