Notetaker: Thermal Control Subsystem Flashcards
What regulates and maintains the temperature throughout the spacecraft?
Thermal Control Subsystem (TCS)
What are 3 external heat sources?
- Direct Sunlight
- Albedo (Reflected Sun)
- Planetary Infrared (IR)
What are 2 internal heat sources?
- Internal Electronics
- Isolated Heat
Identify
Biggest source of heat for orbiting spacecraft
Heat Source
Direct Sunlight
Identify
Solar energy reflected by a planet
Heat Source
Albedo (Reflected Sun)
Identify
Planets, moons, & other large space bodies
Heat Source
Planetary Infrared (IR)
Identify
Heat is created as electric current passes
Heat Source
Internal Electronics
Identify
When isolated, internal spacecraft heat may cause component temperatures to increase to unacceptable levels if not dissipated
Heat Source
Isolated Heat
Identify
Transfer of heat between substances in direct contact
Heat Transfer
Conduction
Identify
Fluid (air or liquid) is heated and travels away from the heat source
Heat Transfer
Convection
Identify
Energy transfer via electromagnetic waves
Heat Transfer
Radiation
What is the only effective method to release heat from a spacecraft?
Radiation
What are 5 active thermal control components?
- Heaters
- Radiators
- Refrigerators
- Pumps
- Louvers
What are 4 passive thermal control components?
- Thermal Blankets (Insulation)
- Heat Pipes
- Coatings
- Louvers
Identify
Uses powered satellite systems to relocate, add, and expel heat to and from the satellite
Thermal Control Components
Active Thermal Control (Closed Loop)
Identify
Generates heat as an electrical current passes through a wire
Thermal Control Components
Heaters
Identify
Reject heat by infrared (IR) radiation
Thermal Control Components
Radiators
Identify
Moves fluids to isolate and remove heat from specific components
Thermal Control Components
Refrigerators
Identify
Uses convection to transfer & dissipate heat
Thermal Control Components
Pumps
Identify
Does NOT use powered satellite systems to relocate, add, and expel heat to and from the satellite
Thermal Control Components
Passive Thermal Control (Open Loop)
Identify
Insulate and resist heat transfer for specific components which require higher temperatures
Thermal Control Components
Thermal Blankets (Insulation)
Identify
Used fluid cycle in a closed system to transfer heat from one location to another
Thermal Control Components
Heat Pipes
Identify
Uses absorptivity, emissivity, transparency, and reflectively to lower or increase
Thermal Control Components
Coatings
Identify
Used to transfer or “vent” radiant heat
Thermal Control Components
Louvers
This can be passive or active
