Mock up definition and test plan for a two-phase mechanically pumped loop (2 ΦMPDL) to manage the thermal dissipation of an active antenna

To face the thermal control challenges of future po werful telecommunication satellites, THALES ALENIA SPACE (TAS), is currently developing a two-phase mechanically pumped loop (2 ΦMPDL) to transport the heat dissipation from an active antenna (up to 4kW) to d edicated large deployable radiators. After remaining shortly the thermal control design of the Active Antenna [8], this paper gives firstly an overview of mock up definition. The mock up has been designed in such a way to be representative in term of mass, power dissipation and thermal interfaces. The main part o f the existing 6kW prototype (radiator, heat contro l accumulator, cooling system) is reused while the specific part ( payload mock up) is manufactured. In a second part, the test plan and test sequence will be presented. The aim is to characterise the thermal performance of the thermal control for the sizing cases and to demonstrate the good behaviour for severe transient. The operational mode of the a ctive antenna drives the cases which will be tested in steady sta te and transient.