SBIR/STTR
Thermal Control Nano-Sat, Phase II
Project Introduction
Based on successful space testing onboard the Midstar1 satellite, Eclipse Electrochromics have been identified by a number of organizations as well as NASA as a high interest technology. For nanosats, the critical design challenge is achieving autonomous control of the EclipseVEDsTM for spacecraft thermal self regulation without the need for human intervention. To achieve this goal, Eclipse employed EclipseVEDTM technology and demonstrated the capacity to have automated control thermal systems capable of in-flight thermal regulation of a cubesat or other small satellite. In Phase II, Eclipse will build a complete multi-panel cubesat and work with NASA to lab test a completely functional prototype and review the capacity to utilize the ECDs concurrently with photovoltaics.
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Anticipated Benefits
Beyond the use as nanosat systems and the immense market for small space platforms for experiments in the commercial market, the EclipseVEDTM will be sold as an alternative to thermal control louvers prevalent in mid-size to large satellite systems comprising a $15M to $20M market. Typical louver systems add considerable mass to satellites (4kg/m2) in comparison to that associated with an IR ECD (15g/ m2). The use of EclipseVEDTM's to reduce thermal distortion in space-based antenna networks, reflectors, high altitude airships and habitable structures will reach a market estimated at $60M per annum. The EclipseVEDTM will find application in infrared beam steering for space-based communications, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers and infrared spatial light modulators for image processing. ECD and Photovoltaic combination can lead to household heating cost reductions.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Ames Research Center
(ARC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Moffett Field, California |
| Eclipse Energy Systems, Inc. | Supporting Organization | Industry | St. Petersburg, Florida |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
-
Florida
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Ames Research Center (ARC)
Responsible Program:
- SBIR/STTR
Project Management
Program Director:
Program Manager:
Project Manager:
Principal Investigator:
Project Duration
Start: Feb 2010
End: Feb 2014
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 6 |
| Current: | 6 |
| Estimated End: | 7 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
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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