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The Advantages of the NASA Louvers

Just like all other machines, interplanetary spacecraft need to stay cool in order to remain functional. Here on Earth, we use fans, water coolers, and refrigeration units to keep our electronics cool, but these systems are not practical out in the reaches of space. Interplanetary spacecraft are often equipped with thermal louvers, which serve to regulate the internal temperature of the craft.

Louver Design
- Louvers are covered in a series of movable blades, looking something like a metallic window shutter. These blades cover an internal radiator that transfers heat away from the craft's other systems. When the radiator heats up, the blades swing open, allowing the heat to escape into space. Once the internal temperature of the craft falls within normal parameters, the blades close.
Materials
- The blades on a thermal louver are made of a mix of different metals, not unlike the metallic strips that may be used in your thermostat at home. Heat does not pass easily through these blades, which helps to keep the internal temperature steady. Also, their shiny surfaces help to reflect back any external heat, such as heat that was just released from the craft, or heat generated by a light source.
Repair
- Modern louver blades are independently activated by a series of springs. Since each blade operates separately from the others, this makes repairing louvers a much simpler task. If all the blades operated on the same system, a damaged blade would result in the entire unit malfunctioning. Having separate springs for each blade ensures that the spacecraft stays cool, even in the event of a broken blade.

Astronomy