Space systems — Measurements of thermo-optical properties of thermal control materials

This document specifies the multiple measurement methods, instruments, equipment, and samples used to calculate the thermo-optical properties of thermal control materials. This document compares their features, indicates their limitations and biases, and guides the applications. This document also defines requirements for calibration and reference materials to ensure data quality.

This document specifies the following test methods, including the configuration of samples and calculations.

a) Solar absorptance using a spectrophotometer (α_s) — Annex A.

b) Solar absorptance using the comparative test method (α_p) — Annex B.

c) Hemispherical infrared emittance using the thermal test method (ε_h-t) — Annex C.

d) Normal infrared emittance using an IR spectrometer (ε_n-s) — Annex D.

e) Normal infrared emittance using ellipsoid collector optics (ε_n-e) — Annex E.

f) Normal infrared emittance using two rotating cavities (ε_n-c) — Annex F.