Spacecraft Thermal Coatings: optical_solar_reflector
Spacecraft thermal control coating optical properties — solar absorptivity (alpha) and infrared emissivity (epsilon) for common spacecraft thermal surfaces. Covers white paints (S13G/L, Z-93/AZ-93, YB-71, Aeroglaze A276), black paints (Aeroglaze Z306/Chemglaze Z306, MAP-9, carbon-black, Acktar Fractal Black), optical solar reflectors (OSR quartz/Ag, OSR glass/Al, flexible Ag-FEP), silver-Teflon tape (Ag/FEP 2-mil and 5-mil), gold foil (VDG on Kapton), aluminized Kapton (Al-side out, Kapton-side out, double-aluminized), bare metals (polished Al, alodine Al, electropolished SS, mechanically polished SS, Ti-6Al-4V), anodized aluminum (clear anodize, black anodize), MLI materials (beta cloth, embossed Al-Mylar), and conductive coatings (Ge/Kapton, ITO/Kapton). All values are BOL (beginning of life). Data from NASA RP-1121, Gilmore Spacecraft Thermal Control Handbook 2nd Ed., AZ Technology, Acktar, Socomore/Lord Aeroglaze, and peer-reviewed literature.
| coating category | coating name | alpha notes | alpha sol (dimensionless) | application | epsilon ir (dimensionless) | epsilon notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| optical_solar_reflector | Flexible OSR Ag-FEP Tape | Silver on FEP substrate; flexible for curved surfaces; BOL values | 0.08 | MLI outer layer; flexible radiator surfaces; body-mounted panel edges | 0.78 | FEP transparent in IR; silver backing reflects mid-IR partially |
| optical_solar_reflector | OSR Second Surface Mirror (Glass/Al) | Aluminum second surface mirror; slightly higher alpha than silver OSR | 0.09 | LEO satellite radiators; cost-sensitive thermal panels | 0.74 | Aluminum less emissive than silver in far-IR |
| optical_solar_reflector | OSR Second Surface Mirror (Quartz/Ag) | Vacuum-deposited silver on rear of fused silica tile; low alpha stable in GEO | 0.07 | High-power GEO satellite radiators; panels requiring maximum heat rejection | 0.78 | Fused silica IR transparent but silver reflects in mid-IR; net effective emittance |
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