Abstract

Coatings for controlling the temperature of satellites reguire a predetermined ratio of solar absorbtance α, to thermal emittance ε, to balance the absorbed solar energy with the thermal radiant energy emitted by the surface at the desired temperature. Specifically developed white paints, referred to as optical solar reflectors, OSRs, typically have low α and high ε, and are used for this purpose. Transparent polymers such as Mylar^® and Kapton^® with vapor-deposited metals of Ag, Au, and Al coated on the rear surface are also used, however, this treatment and the white paints degrade considerably in the space environment¹. Evaporated films of aluminum and silicon oxide have been shown to produce a range of α/ε values and remain quite stable in space environments².

© 1992 Optical Society of America