AE3804 Thermal Control of Spacecraft

A solid foundation in heat transfer is the basis for design, testing, operation and evaluation of spacecraft thermal control systems. Therefore, the course examines the three fundamental modes of heat transfer (conduction, convection and radiation) singly and in combination in one and two dimensions, in unsteady conditions, and involving phase changes, with emphasis on applications to spacecraft design. The course examines thermal environments, thermal design, thermal testing, thermal operation, and integration of thermal design into the overall spacecraft systems. Also considered are unique problems and solutions in spacecraft design integration of thermal control systems. PREREQUISITES: None.

Lecture Hours

3

Lab Hours

2

Course Learning Outcomes

• Make students proficient in spacecraft thermal design.
• Discern the three modes of heat transfer: conduction, convection, and radiation. Differentiate how and when to apply them either singularly or in combination in spacecraft design. 
• Analyze spacecraft processes and devices that utilize heat transfer. 
• Integrate thermal control concepts into spacecraft system design analyses. 
• Explain different thermal control techniques - passive and active approaches - and their practical implications on spacecraft. 
• Discuss typical thermal designs, testing, or applications on existing spacecraft, and be able to follow and critique thermal design case studies on spacecraft.