Spacecraft Thermal Coatings: white_paint
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| white_paint | Aeroglaze A276 White | BOL polyurethane white; moderate solar absorptance | 0.17 | Equipment bay exterior surfaces; structural panels | 0.88 | Good emittance polyurethane binder |
| white_paint | DC93-500 White Silicone Coating | Dow Corning silicone white coating; high solar absorptance for white | 0.2 | Thermal balance where moderate alpha required; flexible or curved surfaces | 0.87 | Good emittance; silicone binder; moderate space stability |
| white_paint | PSBN White | Potassium silicate binder; similar to Z-93 family | 0.15 | Precision thermal control requiring very high emissivity | 0.92 | Highest emissivity class for white paints |
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