Webinar: The Moon and Beyond from a Thermal Perspective

Countries worldwide are actively engaged in advancing lunar exploration initiatives, channeling substantial resources into the development of rovers, terrain vehicles, landers, power-generation systems, and space stations. However, the pursuit of these ambitious endeavors is accompanied by significant technical hurdles, with thermal control systems emerging as a focal point in the overarching system architecture discussions. Join this 60-minute Webinar to embark on an expedition into the realm of mission-critical thermal management strategies.

Our journey begins at the International Space Station, where we delve into the intricacies of active, system-level thermal control mechanisms. These systems predominantly leverage pumped fluids in conjunction with passive heat transfer and rejection components. Venturing onward, we navigate through the challenges of "Surviving Lunar Night," where we analyze cutting-edge technologies such as variable conductance heat pipes, loop heat pipes, thermal control valves, and thermal switches. Drawing insights from NASA's VIPER and Sequential Phase II programs, we unravel the complexities of ensuring thermal stability in lunar environments. Our odyssey culminates with an exploration of thermal management strategies envisioned for future nuclear-power-generation systems. This includes a discussion of high-temperature heat pipes and cold-side heat rejection systems.

We invite you to join this expedition as we navigate the nuances of achieving optimal thermal management across the lunar surface and the expanse of space beyond.