Apparatus and methods for installation of optical solar reflectors

A method for installing optical solar reflectors on a surface of a space vehicle, the method comprising:

• creating a shape template from a polyester film based on the surface of the space vehicle to which the optical solar reflectors are to be coupled;
• marking locations for the respective optical solar reflectors on the shape template;
• coupling a first side of a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) substrate to the shape template;
• coupling first sides of the respective optical solar reflectors to a second side of the PSA substrate based on the locations on the shape template, the shape template, the PSA substrate, and the optical solar reflectors defining a template assembly;
• coupling the template assembly to the surface of the space vehicle via an adhesive material, the optical solar reflectors between the surface of the space vehicle and PSA substrate, a second side of the respective optical solar reflectors to contact the adhesive material;
• and
• after curing the adhesive material, removing a portion of the template assembly including the shape template and the PSA substrate from the first sides of the respective optical solar reflectors.

A kit comprising:

• a plastic sheet;
• a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) substrate having a first side and a second side, the first side of the PSA substrate to be coupled to the plastic sheet;
• and
• a plurality of optical solar reflectors, a first side of each of the optical solar reflectors to be removably coupled to the second side of the PSA substrate, wherein an adhesive strength between the first side of the PSA substrate and the plastic sheet is stronger than an adhesive strength between the second side of the PSA substrate and the first side of each of the optical reflectors.