Development of a CFRP Radiator with Integrated Loop Heat Pipe Tubing

Abstract

§The paper presents work conducted on manufacturing, analysis and test of an innovative all CFRP thermal radiator for spacecraft application. The developed configuration can be used as condenser or radiation heat sink for either two-phase or single-phase heat transportation systems. For this purpose high-conductivity carbon fiber has been employed in the radiating face sheet. Thermal test results for a demonstration panel showed good agreement with analytical prediction. The new radiator configuration exhibits a weight saving of about 33% compared to a currently used all-aluminum radiator panel. The technology is intended for use in future communication satellites.