scope:

Abstract:

A routine in-flight MRO spacecraft sequence placed the HiRISE instrument in an attitude where the sunshade was shaded for an extended period. This unexpectedly caused the sunshade to drop below the allowable flight temperature, where thermal stress could damage the structure. Due to budget pressures, the instrument contractor had failed to update the integrated spacecraft thermal model to reflect changes to the thermal blanket design. Systems with a complex thermal design, like HiRISE, require an accurate and up-to-date thermal model.