Analysis of solar absorptance degradation of OSR in geostationary orbit

Objective Optical solar reflector (OSR) exhibit a very low absorptance-emittance ratio, ensuring stability and high performance in space applications. They efficiently aid in cooling or heat dissipation when attached to the exterior of radiative cooling panels. Understanding the impact of space environment on the OSR and the degradation mechanisms of their thermal control properties is crucial for designing long-lasting thermal control systems. Through analysis of temperature data from cameras onboard four satellites operating in geostationary orbit for 7 years, 4 years, 3 years, and 2.5 years, coupled with thermal simulation analysis models, the degradation model of the OSR solar absorptance solar absorptance is obtained. The deterioration model of the OSR solar absorptance solar absorptance is derived by analyzing temperature data from cameras on four satellites that have been in geostationary orbit for seven, four, three, and two and a half years. This data is combined with thermal simulation analysis models. The results reveal that the solar absorptance of the OSR were 0.125 in the first year of operation, degraded to 0.134 after 2 years in orbit, and changed to 0.175 after 7 years, with the degradation curve exhibiting linear characteristics and an annual degradation rate of approximately 0.74%. Additionally, based on this degradation model, the solar absorptance is predicted to be 0.195 after 10 years. OSR has strong spatial adaptability and stability and the results of this article offering guidance for subsequent in-orbit temperature control and new thermal control system designs.