Sun filter for spacecraft

#This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, German patent application number DE 10 2016 121 484.1, filed on Nov. 9, 2016. The content of the referenced application is incorporated by reference herein.

#The present disclosure relates to a device for a sending and receiving unit of a communication arrangement and to a spacecraft with such a device. In particular, the disclosure relates to improving of thermal load of the thermal flow with regard to the components of such a device as well as with regard to a spacecraft with such a device.

#Dealing with thermal load may be a major challenge, in particular in connection with spacecraft that are used and operated out of the earth's atmosphere. This is because the heat exchange can take place only by heat conduction and thermal radiation due to lack of atmosphere and without convection.

#In the following, exemplary embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings. The drawings are schematic and not to scale. Same reference signs refer to same or similar elements. It is shown in:

#FIG. 1 a schematic representation of a device for a sending and receiving unit of a communication arrangement.

#FIG. 2 a schematic representation of a retroreflective surface for a device for a sending and receiving unit of a communication arrangement.

#The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or the application and uses of such embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

#FIG. 1 shows a device 10 for a sending and receiving unit of a communication arrangement. The device comprises: a first passage 120A for electromagnetic waves and a second passage 120B for electromagnetic waves, a partially transparent surface 130 which is designed transparent for electromagnetic waves of a first wave length range 180A, 180B and which is designed reflective for electromagnetic waves of a second wave length range 190 that differs from the first wave length range, and a first retroreflective surface 140A which is designed reflective for electromagnetic waves of the first wave length range 180A, 180B, wherein a direction of reflection of the electromagnetic waves of the first wave length range 180A, 180B differs from a direction of reflection of electromagnetic waves of the second wave length range 190.

#The device 10 furthermore comprises: a first thermal insulator 150A which is arranged behind the first retroreflective surface 140A from a perspective of the first passage 120A, and a first heating element 155A which is designed to dispense thermal energy and to supply it to the first retroreflective surface 140A.