A modular, scalable radiator for space

The GSTP activity, Highly Efficient Stand-Alone and Scalable (HESAS) bus, is based on loop-heat-pipe technology and was built to transport heat with a high efficiency but without the need of active temperature control equipment. The radiator can range from 10-50kg of payload mass and can disspate heat loads from 100-500W.

The main equipment is mounted on a cold plate made of two bent heat pipes that collect heat from the main equipment baseplate via a specific assembly process that results in an accurate and reproducible heat transfer. The system comprises of two of these coldplates, which are connected to the equipment on one end and clamped between two loop heat pipe evaporators on other side and up to four radiators, mounted in parallel. Unlike previous radiators, HESAS equipment is positioned on the outer edges of the satellite instead of inside it, where they operate through dedicated holes.

Since the radiators are modular, more can be added in the instance of high dissipating heat. Each part of the system is also scalable, meaning it can be adapted to fit a variety of different sizes or mass needs.