Advanced radiator concepts

Two radiator systems to reject heat from future space nuclear power systems were conceptually designed. One design would dissipate 1.7 MW/sub t/ of heat at 600 K, and the other would reject 2.4 MW/sub t/ at 875 K. The low-temperature radiator utilized a pump loop system constructed of titanium, and achieved a specific mass of 5.8 kg/m/sup 2/, including pumps and structure. The high-temperature radiator system utilized potassium heat pipes constructed of SiC-reinforced titanium, and achieved a specific mass of 5.5 kg/m/sup 2/. Both radiators took advantage of light, high-thermal-conductivity carbon/graphite composite fins to distribute and radiate the rejected heat.<>