Abstract
Coatings for controlling the temperature of satellites reguire a predetermined ratio of solar absorbtance α, to thermal emittance ε, to balance the absorbed solar energy with the thermal radiant energy emitted by the surface at the desired temperature. Specifically developed white paints, referred to as optical solar reflectors, OSRs, typically have low α and high ε, and are used for this purpose. Transparent polymers such as Mylar® and Kapton® with vapor-deposited metals of Ag, Au, and Al coated on the rear surface are also used, however, this treatment and the white paints degrade considerably in the space environment1. Evaporated films of aluminum and silicon oxide have been shown to produce a range of α/ε values and remain quite stable in space environments2.
© 1992 Optical Society of America
PDF ArticleMore Like This
Michael L. Fulton, Maria A. Zimmerman, and R. Samuel Dummer
MC.5 Optical Interference Coatings (OIC) 2013
Allan J. Waldorf, J. A. Dobrowolski, and Brian T. Sullivan
OThA5 Optical Interference Coatings (OIC) 1992
Samad M. Edlou, Ali Smajkiewicz, and Ghanim A. Al-Jumaily
OTuE6 Optical Interference Coatings (OIC) 1992