Plug-and-Play Thermal Control Structures for Satellite Applications

Long lead time to launch satellites, has created the need for low cost plug and play thermal control components. An alternative to passive thermal systems (louvers, etc.) is active thermal management provided by the Eclipse Variable-Emissivity Electrochromic Device (VED). Eclipse VEDs: modulate emissivity; can be applied to curved surfaces; are space/vacuum durable; reduce launch weight through less power consumption; reduce thermal design time; prevent unwanted solar gain; and are low temperature vacuum deposited all solid state devices. Eclipse Energy Systems, Inc., is the world leader in next generation space thermal control. Eclipse is working closely with its partner Harris Corporation (see attached letter), and is scheduled to space validate the Eclipse VEDs and related hardware/software with a satellite launch scheduled in late 2006. Phase I will develop an array of VEDs and modify existing hardware/software for use as a plug and play thermal control panel. Phase II will develop a prototype array of VEDs that will allow developers to rapidly implement the VED array into plug and play satellite design. The VED arrays can be customized to fit the geometry of virtually any spacecraft/antenna. Eclipse and partners plan to Fast Track the Phase II effort with non SBIR funds.