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.
The electrochromic technology and its control systems suggested in the present proposal possess a wide range of applications relative to the needs of the Agency in satellite, spacecraft and component thermal control, space communications, chemical and biological monitoring of environmental control and life support systems, and in optical processing of information. The EclipseVEDTM developed by Eclipse Energy Systems, Inc. works as a voltage-controlled variable emissivity device to modify the thermal budget of satellites, spacecraft and space-based systems such as antenna networks, inflatable reflectors and habitable structures. The use of the technology with photovoltaics can also lead to longer missions, lower cost and more external area of the nano-sats used for other mission critical purposes.
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