Optical solar reflector
An optical solar reflector (OSR) is a component of a vehicle or machine designed to fly in outer space. The reflector consists of a top layer made out of quartz, over a reflecting layer made of metal. OSRs are used for radiators on spacecraft.
The quartz outer layer lets the solar light through which reflects on the metal layer. This results in a low absorption coefficient. The quartz layer is a good IR emitter. The result of these properties is a good emitting, low absorbing material, thus making it a cold material.[1]
Optical solar reflectors are a type of second surface mirror.
See also
- Radiative cooling
- Spacecraft components
References
- Wertz, James R.; Larson, Wiley J. (1991). Space Mission Analysis and Design (2. print ed.). Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic. pp. 380–381. ISBN 0-7923-0970-7.
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