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Completed TRL 4 (started at 3, targeting 4)
Variable emittance coatings (VECs) can reduce thermal control system mass and power by passively changing radiator heat rejection according to spacecraft and environment heat loads. VECs make establishing a lunar presence easier since this technology helps overcome challenges with harsh thermal environments on the lunar surface and in transit. This CIF focuses on creating testing capabilities to assess VECs from collaborators in academia and industry.
The proposed technology would provide a surface with a temperature/voltage modulated turn down ratio that provides variable heat rejection for human/robotic Martian and lunar spacecraft missions. This technology development effort addresses HEOMD-405 Technical Gap #3105 Variable Heat Rejection, which will be closed when a system level turn down ratio of >4 is demonstrated at >TRL 7. Closing this gap will enable lunar pressurized rover, surface and transit habitats, ISRU and lunar surface power systems as well as enhance capabilities for Mars Ascent Vehicle.
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