Satellite Thermal Control for Systems Engineers (Progress in Astronautics and Aeronautics) (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "SATELLITES perform better and last longer when their components remain within certain temperature limits, usually, but not always, near the level at which they are..." (more)
Key Phrases: thermal balance test, normal incident fluxes, cold case conditions, New York, Long Duration Exposure Facility, Satellite Thermal Control Handbook (more...)

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Product Description

This book is about the theory and methods of controlling the temperature of a satellite. It is the first to present satellite thermal control as an organized engineering discipline systematically derived from the principles of heat transfer. The treatment is thorough but consciously readable and requires only basic prerequisite knowledge of physics and mathematics. Although the main thrust is to give spacecraft managers and systems engineers a background for directing and advising during the evolution of a satellite thermal design, there is enough to attract students and aerospace engineers of all specialties. For those already involved in satellite thermal control, the book provides a valuable source of data and a definitive reference to the problems and methods of solution encountered in their trade. All the illustrations and numerical examples refer directly to actual situations. The author uses his wide experience to explain many of the difficult points that have made thermal control often a confusing subject. Significant selections are cited from the innumerable publications that have appeared since the launch of Sputnik in 1957. In addition, the author draws on vital material that, for one reason or another, has never been reported in general publications. The result is a comprehensive textbook on one of the most essential aspects in the design of satellites.

About the Author

Robert Karam is a consultant thermal engineer who has been in aerospace since its inception in the late fifties. He lectures and has written a number of papers on the subject, including a contribution to Satellite Thermal Control Handbook. He earned his masters degree in engineering science from the Catholic University of America.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 274 pages
• Publisher: AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics & Ast; illustrated edition edition (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563472767
• ISBN-13: 978-1563472763
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,283,442 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Satellite Thermal Control for Systems Engineers, July 20, 2002

By	JIH-RUN TSAI (Hsin-Chu, Taiwan, ROC) - See all my reviews

This is an interesting reference book for satellite thermal control. There are a few quite significant examples in most chapters that give readers deep impressions on the application of thermal control. However, the last chapter (Thermal Verification Tests) is the weakest place and needs to be improved greatly in this book because only brief descriptions and statements (without any good examples like the previous chapters) in the thermal balance test. From my personal experience, the verification by test is the most important and formidable area for, not only thermal engineers but also system engineers, in the satellite thermal control development.