A thermal control device for controlling the temperature of a craft/spacecraft
is an electrostatic switch causing a large change in apparent emissivity. A flexible
covering has a high emissivity and makes close contact with the surface of the
spacecraft when electrostatically attracted thereto, when the covering is out of
contact, the spacecraft surface emissivity controls radiation. The device can operate
with moderate levels of DC voltages. Application of voltage results in high emissivity
while removal of voltage allows a separator to move the covering out of contact
and thus results in low emissivity.
