ASTM International Standard Practice for Solar Simulation for Thermal Balance Testing of Spacecraft ASTM E491-73(2004)e1

This practice provides guidance for making adequate thermal balance tests of spacecraft and components where solar simulation has been determined to be the applicable method. Careful adherence to this practice should ensure the adequate simulation of the radiation environment of space for thermal tests of space vehicles. This practice also provides the proper test environment for systems-integration tests of space vehicles. However, there is no discussion herein of the extensive electronic equipment and procedures required to support such tests. This practice does not apply to or provide incomplete coverage of the following types of tests: launch phase or atmospheric reentry of space vehicles; landers on planet surfaces; degradation of thermal coatings; increased friction in space of mechanical devices, sometimes called "cold welding"; sun sensors; man in space; energy conversion devices; and tests of components for leaks, outgassing, radiation damage, or bulk thermal properties.