Thermal Division

Thermal engineering, design, analysis and testing of space systems, covering active and passive thermal control systems

Implementation of technical support to all ESA projects and development programmes within its domain of competence, including support to failure investigations

Definition, coordination and implementation of technology development activities within its domain of competence, covering passive and active cryogenic cooling, heat transport, heat storage and heat rejection, thermal insulation, thermal protection, thermal analysis tools and methods, thermal and mechanical verification including testing

Maintenance and operation of the Mechanical Systems Laboratory with a number of facilities covering thermal cycling, thermal balance, CTE measurements, MLI performance measurements, thermal conductivity, mechanical testing, as well as the thermal computing facility and other Mechanical Division technical computing facilities

Development of analysis tools and methods for the thermal subsystem including those for specific thermal technologies (e.g. two-phase systems, cryo-coolers) and coordination of these tools and technologies within and outside the Agency

Coordination with activities at the system level (e.g. MBSE) and with other disciplines (e.g. thermoelastic)

Establishment and implementation of standards in the thermal domain