The Solar Shield: A Thermally Insulating, Broad-Band, Electromagnetic Window for Satellites
Abstract
A space qualified, thermally insulating, broad-band, electromagnetic window for satellite applications is described. A multiple layer construction is used, with each layer consisting of quartz fiber paper sandwiched between two sheets of Kapton. The measured insertion loss is less than 0.25 dB at frequencies up to 50 GHz. When exposed to full solar radiation (127 W/sq ft.), about W/sq ft. are transferred through the thickness of the window into a 20 C background in the interior of the satellite. Under eclipse conditions, about 3 W/sq ft. are radiated from the satellite into the cold space background compared with nearly 40 W/sq ft without the window. The reasons for this performance are explained, and detailed descriptions of the experimental evaluations are given. A brief summary of the space-qualification testing is also included.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 02, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA170334
Entities
People
- David M. Nathanson
- Edward B. Murphy
- Marcia S. Powell
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology