Nanofluid-Based Thermal Management Systems for Spacecraft: A New Approach to Active Temperature Control

Abstract

The increasing complexity of space mission’s demands advanced solutions for spacecraft thermal management, which is critical for the safety and performance of both crewed and unscrewed spacecraft. In the vacuum of space, extreme temperature fluctuations—from intense solar radiation to the frigid darkness pose significant challenges. Conventional thermal control systems, like radiators and heat pipes, though effective, have reached their operational limits in terms of efficiency and adaptability. Nanofluid-based thermal management systems (TMS) offer a groundbreaking approach, enhancing heat transfer properties through the suspension of nanoparticles within base fluids. This paper delves into the properties, mechanisms, and application of nanofluids in spacecraft TMS, proposing this as an active method of precise temperature control. With enhanced thermal conductivity and convective heat transfer rates, nanofluids could potentially replace or supplement existing thermal control systems, offering more dynamic, lightweight, and efficient solutions for long-duration space missions. We examine the theoretical foundations, experimental data, and potential challenges in adopting nanofluid technology in space, including its behavior in microgravity, stability over time, and interactions with other spacecraft systems.