Space Copper-Water Heat Pipes (SCWHPs)
ACT (Advanced Cooling Technologies)
Flight-proven copper-water heat pipes for high heat flux satellite electronics cooling, capable of handling up to 50 W/cm² with first flight heritage from ISS in 2017.
Technical specifications
- Heat Flux Capability
- Up to 50 W/cm²
- Temperature Gradient (typical)
- 2–5°C
- Wicking Capability Against Gravity
- Up to 10 inches
- Minimum Bend Radius
- 3× OD
- Generation
- GEN III manufacturing process
- First Flight
- 2017, ISS (APTx experiment)
- Quality Certification
- ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D
About
Space Copper-Water Heat Pipes (SCWHPs) address the growing thermal demands of in-situ computing on satellites. These devices excel at removing heat generated by high-performance ASICs, FPGAs, and digital signal processors, offering substantially higher heat flux capability than conventional aluminum-ammonia heat pipes.
ACT developed GEN III manufacturing protocols specifically for spaceflight applications. The copper envelope with sintered wick structures enables handling of heat fluxes up to 50 W/cm² with temperature gradients of only 2–5°C. SCWHPs first flew in space in 2017 aboard the ISS through NASA’s Advanced Passive Thermal experiment (APTx) program.
These heat pipes are particularly suited for Space VPX embedded computing boards and conduction-cooled chassis, transferring heat from component hotspots to the card edge. Their nickel-plated exterior ensures compatibility with spacecraft structural materials.
Documentation
Need the full ICD, test reports or a specific revision? Ask the supplier directly.
