Solar Orbiter Heat Shield and System Technology

Paper number

IAC-07-A3.2.06

Author

Mr. Jean-Jacques Juillet, Thales Alenia Space, France

Coauthor

Mr. Joel Poncy, Thales Alenia Space, France

Coauthor

Mr. Franck Jubineau, Thales Alenia Space, France

Coauthor

Mr. Valter Perotto, Alcatel Alenia Space Italia, Italy

Coauthor

Mr. Filippo D'Angelo, Alcatel Alenia Space Italia, Italy

Year

2007

Abstract

Solar Orbiter will enhance our knowledge of the Sun by observations and in-situ measurements as close as 0.22 AU from our star. Placed on an orbit with a period two thirds the one of Venus, Solar Orbiter will use the many encounters with the planet to gradually incline its orbit and gain view on the Sun’s poles. The permanent in-situ observations will be associated to remote-sensing observations over large parts of the orbits. 

ESA Science Directorate has awarded in parallel two Solar Orbiter Heat Shield and System Technology contracts to industry. One of them is led by Alcatel Alenia Space. This paper presents the achievements of Alcatel Alenia Space thanks to this ESA contract. 

It shows how the main technical challenge brought by the heat flux of twenty solar constants has been addressed by the system and heat shield design. The manufacturing and thermal test campaign of a breadboard of the Heat Shield is then reported. The main technological developments and residual risks are assessed, paving the way for the definition phases of the program.

Abstract document

IAC-07-A3.2.06.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-A3.2.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.