Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Self Deploying Nitinol LHP Radiator for Small Spacecraft, Phase I
Project Introduction
Loop heat pipes are commonly used for heat rejection radiators above a few hundred watts. The LHP condener tubing is embedded in composite panels which are manually deployed. By making the LHP condenser tubing out of shape memory alloy tubing, the radiator becomes self deploying and self contained. It will passively deploy when the payload components begin producing significant heat. This not only eliminates the deployment mechanisms and controls, but also provides more flexible stowing arrangement for the radiators. Very small satellites and spacecraft can now have deployable radiators.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, Maryland |
| Thermacore, Inc. | Supporting Organization | Industry | Lancaster, Pennsylvania |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Maryland
-
Pennsylvania
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC)
Responsible Program:
- Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Project Duration
Start: Jan 2009
End: Jul 2009
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TX14 Thermal Management Systems
- TX14.2 Thermal Control Components and Systems
- TX14.2.3 Heat Rejection and Storage
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This is a historic project that was completed before the creation of TechPort on October 1, 2012. Available data has been included. This record may contain less data than currently active projects.