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This paper experimentally and analytically evaluates the heat rejection/retention performance of a reversible thermal panel (RTP) which can autonomously change thermal performance depending on its own thermal conditions. The RTP is considered as a candidate methodology for thermal control of Venus mission, PLANET-C, in order to save survival heater power. An RTP prototype was tested and evaluated. An analytical thermal model of the RTP was also developed, and basic performances of the RTP were evaluated. Thermal performance of the RTP when applied to the longwave camera (LIR) of the PLANET-C was evaluated with an analytical thermal model as functions of fin deployment directions and rear surface properties of the RTP's fin. The analytical results showed that the RTP can save heater power in comparison to a conventional radiator.

Japanese X-ray astronomy satellite ASTRO-E2 named “SUZAKU“ was successfully launched on July 10, 2005. SUZAKU is the fifth Japanese X-ray astronomy satellite to observe X-ray coming from hot and active regions in the universe in collaboration with NASA GSFC, MIT and University of Wisconsin. “SUZAKU” has achieved the high sensitivity wide energy band X-ray spectroscopy than ever before. It is equipped with X -ray telescopes (XRT) and three kinds of focal plane instruments, X-Ray Imaging Spectrometer (XIS), X-Ray Spectrometer (XRS) and Hard X-Ray Detector (HXD). A radiation-cooling system, connected to XIS and HXD with heat pipes, is provided to cool them below −30 C and −20 C respectively. Furthermore, a side panel has a large cut out to expose XRS cryogenic Dewar for direct cooling. Flight temperatures indicate that the three sensors are kept below their cooling-requirement temperature.