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MPB has developed advanced technologies based on smart radiator devices with thin-film tiles (SRDs) employing V1-x-yMxNyOn, for the passive dynamic thermal control of space structures and payloads. M and N dopants tailor the transition temperature characteristics of the tuneable IR emittance. The SRD has successfully passed major ground tests and validated its performance for extended use in the harsh space environment, with a target of up to 15 years GEO, in preparation for a flight demonstration of the technology [1]. This paper describes the optimization and validation of the SRD as an efficient thermal control system with tuneable thermo-optical properties for a microsat mission. The optimization involves tailoring the transition temperature characteristics of the tuneable IR emittance to near room temperature by using Tungsten-doped Vanadium targets for the deposition of V1-xWxOn.

MPB has developed advanced technologies based on smart radiator thin-film tiles (SRTs) employing V1−x−yMxNyOn, for the passive dynamic thermal control of space structures and payloads. The SRT has passed successfully the major ground tests and validated its performance for extended use in the harsh space environment, with a target of up to 15 years GEO, in preparation for a flight demonstration of this technology This paper describes the optimization of MPB's smart radiator and its validation of an efficient thermal control with the tuneability of thermo-optical properties. The thermal control of satellites is a critical subsystem that impacts on the performance and longevity of space payloads. MPB has developed advanced smart radiator devices (SRDs) for passive, dynamic thermal control of space structures and payload. The SRDs employ a nano-engineered, thin-film structure based on V1−x−yMxNyOn. Dopants, M and N, tailor the transition temperature of the IR emittance.

MPB has developed advanced smart radiator devices (SRDs) for passive, dynamic thermal control of space structures and payloads. The SRDs employ a nano-engineered, integrated thin-film structure based on V1-x-yMxNyOn. Dopants, M and N, tailor the transition temperature characteristics of the tuneable IR emittance. This paper describes the progress in MPB's smart thermal radiator towards its validation as an efficient thermal control device for space environment. A set of environmental tests were performed in order to validate the coating resistance and performance stability in space. The tests included random vibration, thermal shock, and accelerated aging. In addition, the thermo-optic characteristics after exposure to Atomic Oxygen (AO) in a simulated LEO environment were similar to the “as deposited” characteristics. Preliminary radiation tests, comparable to 3 years in a GEO environment, indicate very low change in emissivity and solar absorptance relative to the initial values.