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Evaluating Three Active Thermal Architectures for Exploration MissionsMass and cost are typically the two biggest challenges facing space craft designers. Active thermal control systems for crewed space-craft are typically among the more massive and costly systems on the vehicle. A study was completed evaluating three different thermal control system architectures to evaluate overall performance, mass and cost for a typical exploration mission profile. The architectures that were evaluated were 1 - a two-loop system using an internal liquid loop interfacing with an external liquid loop and flow loop with flow through radiators; 2 - a-single loop architecture with flow through radiators utilizing a regenerative heat exchanger and heater; and 3 - a single-loop architecture with heat pipe radiators. Environmental conditions, calculated for a given lunar exploration mission, and mission heat load profiles, generated based on previous Orion time lines, were evalauated through the phases of the on orbit mission. Performance for each of the architectures was evaluated along with the resultant mass of each system. Recommendations include adding a thermal topping system to lunar missions due to the extreme hot environments encountered in near-lunar approaches.
Document ID
20120017474
Acquisition Source
Johnson Space Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Cross, Cynthia D. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Hong, Andrew E. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Sheth, Rubik B. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Navarro, Moses (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Marett, Susan J. (Vantage Partners, LLC Brook Park, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2012
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
JSC-CN-27467
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Conference on Environmental Systems (ICES)
Location: Vail, CO
Country: United States
Start Date: July 14, 2013
End Date: July 18, 2013
Sponsors: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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