Speaker
Description
Spacecraft thermal control systems often favour the use of passive elements due to their simpler implementation compared to active systems. When heat is to be transferred via radiation, coatings and paints are typically used on the control surfaces of the items of interest so their thermo-optical properties enable this transfer as required. However, these methods come with their drawbacks such as limited operational temperature ranges, poor thermal conductivity, degradation over the life cycle, contamination issues and export regulations.
In collaboration with the Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz Institute and funded by the Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand (ZIM), Azimut Space develops the NanoBLAST (or Black Laser Surface Treatment) project, a process capable of altering the thermo-optical properties of a surface through its functionalization using a nanosecond-pulse laser. This functionalization modifies the surface microstructure at the top layer (<100 µm) of the substrate material in question, removing the need of further coating. Because the surface is essentially the same material as the substrate, its thermal conductivity and operational temperature range remain unchanged. Likewise, degradation due to radiation exposure is driven by the properties of the substrate, and contamination is no longer an issue since there is no loss of particulates during the part’s life.
To assess the performance and suitableness of this technology, the project takes a modularly designed, aluminium box for electronics and treats its outer surfaces via the NanoBLAST process. This item was chosen as it is commonly used in many satellite subsystems. Once ready, a series of environmental tests are performed so any loss in performance, as well as cleanliness, can be assessed. This allows determining up to which scale is the NanoBLAST process a fitting substitution for thermal coatings and bring forward its technological readiness.
