Passive Optical-Based Thermal Management Approach for Spacecraft Operating in the Near Solar Environment

[Abstract] The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL) and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center are currently evaluating optical coatings made from ceramics as a means of passive thermal management for spacecraft operating in the solar environment. Ceramics were selected based on chemical stability; and inertness to radiation damage and hydrogen degradation. Investigations have focused on “white” ceramics such as aluminum oxide, pyrolytic boron nitride, and barium zirconium phosphate which have been shown to also possess desirable optical characteristics making them ideal candidates.