Abstract

We have developed a method for choosing the parameters of a temperature control unit (TCU) for a space-based telescope in which the TCU is based on a radiation panel-electric heater system; this method takes into account the overall energy balance in circumterrestrial space and enables a more accurate determination of the required thermal output power of the electric heater as a function of radiation panel orientation in space relative to the Earth and Sun. We discuss the feasibility of replacing the laminar radiation panels by creating cut-outs in the layers of vacuum sandwich insulation to the depth of the telescope housing. We show that the telescope housing can be stabilized at a specific temperature level through absorption of solar radiation by the surface of the radiation panel.

© 2017 Optical Society of America

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