Countries worldwide are actively engaged in advancing lunar exploration initiatives, channeling substantial resources into the development of rovers, terrain vehicles, landers, power-generation systems, and space stations. However, the pursuit of these ambitious endeavors is accompanied by significant technical hurdles, with thermal control systems emerging as a focal point in the overarching system architecture discussions. Join this 60-minute Webinar to embark on an expedition into the realm of mission-critical thermal management strategies.
Our journey begins at the International Space Station, where we delve into the intricacies of active, system-level thermal control mechanisms. These systems predominantly leverage pumped fluids in conjunction with passive heat transfer and rejection components. Venturing onward, we navigate through the challenges of "Surviving Lunar Night," where we analyze cutting-edge technologies such as variable conductance heat pipes, loop heat pipes, thermal control valves, and thermal switches. Drawing insights from NASA's VIPER and Sequential Phase II programs, we unravel the complexities of ensuring thermal stability in lunar environments. Our odyssey culminates with an exploration of thermal management strategies envisioned for future nuclear-power-generation systems. This includes a discussion of high-temperature heat pipes and cold-side heat rejection systems.
We invite you to join this expedition as we navigate the nuances of achieving optimal thermal management across the lunar surface and the expanse of space beyond and answer your questions in an audience Q&A session.
Speakers:
Bryan Muzyka, Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Advanced Cooling Technologies
As the Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Bryan Muzyka leads Advanced Cooling Technologies’ (ACT) sales and marketing team and is tasked with solving customers’ complex thermal challenges in a wide variety of industries. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Penn State University and an MBA in engineering from Lehigh University. Bryan serves as a board member on the Keystone Space Collaborative, a non-profit organization that is building the space ecosystem in the Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia tri-state region. Through his work with NASA, major space primes, and ACT’s subject experts, Bryan has hands-on experience with many of solutions being discussed during this program.
Jimmy Hughes, Lead Engineer – Orbital Systems, Advanced Cooling Technologies
Jimmy Hughes is the Lead Engineer in ACT’s Orbital and Space Systems Product Development team. Jimmy has been involved in the development of cutting-edge technology and leverages his 13 years of experience and extensive technical skills to bring difficult concepts to life. He has played an instrumental role in pioneering technologies for two-phase microclimate cooling systems and successfully developed multiple products from concept to reality. Jimmy holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Central Florida.
Moderator:
Amanda Hosey, Editor, SAE Media Group
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