Atmospheric Waves Experiment Thermal Control System: On-Orbit Performance Review

This paper reviews the Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) detector thermal control system’s (TCS) performance for over two years of operation on the International Space Station (ISS). The TCS employs active thermal control for the InGaAs detectors with thermoelectric coolers (TECs). Each of the four detectors is controlled by a dedicated TEC at a nominal setpoint of −30°C, with heat transported away via low-mass, high-conductance pyrolytic graphite sheet (PGS) thermal straps into a nickel-plated copper conductor bar. A bidirectional radiator with Silver Teflon ensures an unobstructed view to space for heat rejection. Titanium isolators decouple the detectors from the telescope structure and maintain focus over the entire operational temperature range. The thermal architecture is described in detail, with emphasis on the detector thermal zone. TEC details, integration, characterization, and safety limits are also discussed. On-orbit telemetry shows detector temperatures remain within allowable flight temperature limits throughout the mission, with TEC control maintaining tight stability near the setpoint ([Formula: see text]). Year-over-year comparisons highlight operational differences and environmental drivers. Overall, system thermal performance is robust under the extreme, time-varying orbital conditions on the ISS.