This study proposes a passively deployed radiator as a new thermal control device for small satellites. This radiator can control the amount of heat dissipation by varying the heat rejection area, depending on its temperature. This radiator consists of a fin, a baseplate, and an actuator. First, thermal diffusivity, total hemispherical emissivity and solar absorptance of graphite sheets, which is a part of this radiator fin, were measured. From these measurements, thermal conductivity of the graphite sheet varies from 950 to 1490W/mK, the total hemispherical emissivity is from 0.22 to 0.31, and the solar absorptance is 0.66. Second, the performance of the radiator was calculated by thermal analysis as a function of size and thickness, and the 1/2 scaled test model of this radiator was designed. Third, the test model was fabricated and thermal performance was tested in a vacuum condition. The testing showed that the thermal dissipation of this 1/2 scaled radiator is 54W at 60°C, the fin efficiency difference between deployed and stowed position is 0.35, and the specific heat rejection is 188W/kg, respectively.
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