BS ISO 23129:2021 - Space Systems Thermal Control Coatings for Spacecraft

Standard Number: BS ISO 23129:2021

Pages: 30

Released: 2021-10-29

ISBN: 978 0 539 13296 0

Status: Standard

Overview

The BS ISO 23129:2021 standard is a comprehensive guide dedicated to the thermal control coatings for spacecraft, specifically focusing on atomic oxygen protective coatings on polyimide film. This standard is essential for ensuring the longevity and efficiency of spacecraft by providing detailed guidelines on the application and performance of these specialized coatings.

Why Choose BS ISO 23129:2021?

Spacecraft are exposed to harsh environments, including extreme temperatures and atomic oxygen, which can significantly degrade materials over time. The BS ISO 23129:2021 standard addresses these challenges by offering a robust framework for the development and application of thermal control coatings. These coatings are crucial for:

• Protecting spacecraft surfaces: The standard ensures that the coatings provide effective protection against atomic oxygen, which is known to erode materials in low Earth orbit.
• Enhancing thermal control: By regulating the thermal properties of spacecraft surfaces, these coatings help maintain optimal operating temperatures, thereby improving the performance and reliability of the spacecraft.
• Extending lifespan: Properly applied thermal control coatings can significantly extend the operational life of spacecraft by mitigating the effects of the harsh space environment.

Key Features

The BS ISO 23129:2021 standard is meticulously designed to cover all aspects of thermal control coatings for spacecraft. Some of the key features include:

• Detailed guidelines: The standard provides comprehensive instructions on the selection, application, and testing of atomic oxygen protective coatings on polyimide film.
• Performance criteria: It outlines the performance requirements that these coatings must meet to ensure effective protection and thermal control.
• Material compatibility: The standard addresses the compatibility of coatings with various spacecraft materials, ensuring that they do not adversely affect the structural integrity or functionality of the spacecraft.
• Environmental considerations: It takes into account the environmental conditions in space, including temperature fluctuations and exposure to atomic oxygen, to ensure that the coatings perform reliably under these conditions.

Applications

The BS ISO 23129:2021 standard is applicable to a wide range of spacecraft, including:

• Satellites: Ensuring the longevity and performance of communication, weather, and research satellites.
• Space probes: Protecting probes sent to explore distant planets and other celestial bodies.
• Space stations: Enhancing the durability and thermal regulation of space stations, which are exposed to the harsh conditions of space for extended periods.
• Spacecraft components: Providing protection for critical components such as solar panels, antennas, and sensors.

Benefits

Implementing the guidelines and recommendations of the BS ISO 23129:2021 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Improved reliability: By ensuring that thermal control coatings meet stringent performance criteria, the standard helps improve the overall reliability of spacecraft.
• Cost savings: Extending the operational life of spacecraft through effective thermal control and protection can lead to significant cost savings by reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements.
• Enhanced mission success: Reliable thermal control coatings contribute to the success of space missions by maintaining the optimal performance of spacecraft systems.
• Compliance with international standards: Adhering to the BS ISO 23129:2021 standard ensures compliance with internationally recognized guidelines, facilitating collaboration and interoperability in the global space industry.

Conclusion

The BS ISO 23129:2021 standard is an indispensable resource for anyone involved in the design, development, and operation of spacecraft. By providing detailed guidelines on thermal control coatings, it helps ensure the protection, performance, and longevity of spacecraft in the challenging environment of space. Whether you are working on satellites, space probes, space stations, or other spacecraft components, this standard offers the essential knowledge and best practices needed to achieve mission success.

BS ISO 23129:2021

This standard BS ISO 23129:2021 Space systems. Thermal control coatings for spacecraft. Atomic oxygen protective coatings on polyimide film is classified in these ICS categories:

• 49.140 Space systems and operations

This document defines the general requirements for atomic oxygen (AO) protective coatings that are applied on polyimide thermal control films. It also describes the different properties of coated polyimide films such as indium tin oxide (ITO), SiO_x, germanium, and silicone, property measurement test methods, and selection guidelines.