// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Thermal Control
The system or methods used to keep spacecraft and their components at the right operating temperature. This is vital because space environments can be extremely hot or cold.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The active or passive management of temperature within a spacecraft or system to maintain components within their operational limits, utilizing radiators, heaters, insulation, and phase-change materials.
BACKGROUND
In spacecraft design, the function of the thermal control system (TCS) is to keep all the spacecraft's component systems within acceptable temperature ranges during all mission phases. It must cope with the external environment, which can vary in a wide range as the spacecraft is exposed to the extreme coldness found in the shadows of deep space or to the intense heat found in the unfiltered direct sunlight of outer space. A TCS must also moderate the internal heat generated by the operation of the spacecraft it serves.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Temperature management
- thermal regulation
- heat control
- thermal conditioning
USAGE NOTE
Effective thermal control is crucial for the longevity and performance of sensitive electronics in space.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Thermal Control.
As a prime contractor for numerous spacecraft, including the Orion crew vehicle and various satellites, Lockheed Martin develops and integrates sophisticated active and passive thermal control systems to manage extreme temperatures in space.
A subsidiary of RTX, Collins Aerospace designs and manufactures environmental control systems, including active thermal control systems (ATCS) using pumped fluid loops, for crewed spacecraft, satellites, and planetary rovers.
A leading European satellite manufacturer that develops comprehensive thermal control subsystems. Their technologies include heat pipes, multi-layer insulation (MLI), and advanced radiators for telecommunication, Earth observation, and scientific missions.
A specialized company focused on developing and manufacturing advanced thermal management solutions for space applications, including various types of heat pipes, pumped two-phase cooling systems, and deployable radiators.
A NASA field center that conducts research and development on advanced thermal management technologies for space exploration. Their work includes innovative radiator concepts, heat pipes, and systems for extreme temperature environments.
A Franco-Italian aerospace manufacturer that designs and builds satellite systems with integrated thermal control hardware. They have expertise in both passive methods like heat pipes and radiators, and active fluid loop systems for high-power spacecraft.
A major supplier of aerospace systems, Honeywell provides a wide range of environmental and thermal control components and systems for aircraft and spacecraft, ensuring optimal operating temperatures for electronics and crew.
A global provider of engineered materials and thermal management technologies. Boyd develops and supplies custom thermal solutions for the aerospace industry, including heat pipes, thermal straps, and heat sinks used in satellites and other space hardware.