Review of Modern Spacecraft Thermal Control Technologies

Originally created and developed for space applications, several commercial terrestrial technologies still permeate our society today. Examples include solar cells, Global Positioning Systems, and less expensive methods of carbon nanotube manufacture. Given a long and successful history of spinoffs, there might exist opportunities for the transfer of modern spacecraft thermal control technologies to terrestrial HVAC&R applications. First, this paper presents a broad overview of spacecraft thermal control. Next, a review of several modern spacecraft thermal control subsystem technologies is provided, each including an assessment of their potential use for terrestrial applications.