scope:

Abstract:

Early in the flight, Magellan REM temperatures exceeded predictions by over 20 degrees C. for certain spacecraft orientations. This necessitated changes in the mission profile. Subsystem thermal design modifications had been made based solely on analysis and implemented without any test verification. Design changes should be verified by test. The prime contractor should be responsible for thermal integration of the REM. The REM should be subjected to a series of solar thermal vacuum orientations at the subsystem level.