This Phase I SBIR will develop a new and novel method of controlling the radiated energy from the surface of a spacecraft. It is based on an existing device, an electrostatic switched radiator (ESR), which has demonstrated large changes in radiated energy as measured in space-like conditions. The device works by switching the heat transfer mode from conduction to radiation and has demonstrated changes in LWIR emissivity over .7. This proposal will take the existing structure and fabricate it as an appliqué which can be easily applied to a surface. Presently, the ESR requires a separate, rigid substrate. Although with this substrate, it is still lighter than alternative approaches, this proposal will fabricate this device as a surface coating appliqué which can be applied easily to most surfaces to control the heat radiated from the surface. Using a combination of molding and MEMs-like fabrication techniques, a lightweight coating less than .004 thick with a emissivity change greater than .8 and with an operating voltage below 30 volts, will be developed. This is a new and important tool for temperature control in space and will be suitable for virtually all satellites. Anticipated Benefits/Commercial Applications: A new and novel radiation control system is proposed which will have multiple uses in temperature control of satellites and spacecraft. It is lightweight which will be a major advantage in space applications and will have very wide range of emissivity, giving good thermal control. The approach also uses minimal power and is thus suited for all long mission time spacecraft/satellites.
Keywords: emissivity, thermal , switchable, electrostatic
