last year, nasa launched an environmental research satellite that is intended to provide links between earth’s water, energy, and carbon cycles, according to a report from design world. the satellite utilizes soil moisture active passive (smap) instruments that will give scientists information that could lead to better weather forecasts, climate models, and predictive ability for potential natural disasters.

(wikimedia commons)

in order for the instruments to work properly, heat must be dissipated and released into space. k technology, a division of thermacore, was consulted to provide thermal management on the project and developed a doubler, a unique heat spreader, which used k-core annealed pyrolytic graphite (apg) surrounded by aluminum.

the apg and aluminum was used to build a six-millimeter thick composite panel (4mm of apg and 1mm of aluminum on each side). the panel was tested at several points, including thermally and electrically conductive areas and grounding areas. working with nasa’s jet propulsion lab, engineers determined the optimal placement for the panel and for the components in the system.

according to mark montesano, vp of engineering, thermacore k technology div., “the complex finishing requirements presented a challenging design. this project involved a detailed mechanical design as well as a finite element thermal analysis to determine component locations and specific geometry of the apg insert within the structure.”

the mission was launched in january 2015. thermacore will also be providing a thermal strap for the thermal clock on the follow-up mission in 2017. 

to learn more, visit http://www.designworldonline.com/looking-back-earth-space/#_.