Optical solar reflector

An optical solar reflector (OSR) consists of a top layer made out of quartz, over a reflecting layer made of metal.

OSRs are used for radiators on spacecraft. The quartz outer layer lets the solar light through which reflects on the metal layer. This results in a low absorption coefficient. The quartz layer is a good IR emitter. The result of these properties is a good emitting, low absorbing material, thus making it a cold material.[1]

Optical solar reflectors are a type of second surface mirror.

References

Wertz, James R.; Larson, Wiley J. (1991). Space Mission Analysis and Design (2. print ed.). Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic. pp. 380–381. ISBN 0-7923-0970-7.

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[1] Wertz, James R.; Larson, Wiley J. (1991). Space Mission Analysis and Design (2. print ed.). Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic. pp. 380–381. ISBN 0-7923-0970-7.