A key element of the Mars Pathfinder thermal control system is the Heat Rejection System (HRS). The HRS of Mars Pathfinder is designed to actively control the temperatures of the various parts of the spacecraft.This is achieved by mechanically circulating single-phase Freon 11 liquid through the lander and cruise electronics box heat exchangers and transferring the heat to an external radiator on the cruise stage. This is the first time in spacecraft history that a mechanically pumped cooling loop has been used on a long duration spacecraft mission. Many lessons have been learned during the testing and ground and flight operation of the HRS. This paper will present the performance of the mechanically pumped cooling loop during the ground and flight operations. Based on the lessons learned from this experience, recommendations on the design and operation of the pumped cooling loops for future space missions will be made.


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    Title :

    (abstract) Mars Pathfinder Active Thermal Control System: Ground and Flight Performance of a Mechanically Pumped Cooling Loop


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1997-06-23


    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English