Self Deploying Nitinol LHP Radiator for Small Spacecraft, Phase I

Loop heat pipes are commonly used for heat rejection radiators above a few hundred watts. The LHP condener tubing is embedded in composite panels which are manually deployed. By making the LHP condenser tubing out of shape memory alloy tubing, the radiator becomes self deploying and self contained. It will passively deploy when the payload components begin producing significant heat. This not only eliminates the deployment mechanisms and controls, but also provides more flexible stowing arrangement for the radiators. Very small satellites and spacecraft can now have deployable radiators.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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