Lamp modules and radiation system control cabinets
The primary source of solar radiation is a short-arc xenon lamp. To be integrated into optical structure of the simulator, the lamp is installed in a lamp module that subsequently forms a massive.
A lamp module includes:
- A reflector that collects radiation generated by lamp in order to direct it to the integrator
- Ignition unit that supplies high voltage impulse to the lamp in order to ignite it
- Adjustment unit of the lamp, that secures the proper position of the lamp with respect to reflector
- Video system to control the position of the arc with respect to reflector focal point
All these means enable to adjust the simulator’s optical system to render the simulator most efficient, as well as to ensure its stable operation during the entire lifetime.
Certain lamp modules are integrated into illumination system that facilitates integration, cooling and regulation as of the entire system, that is considered one of the key structural units of the simulator designed to maintain such a vital light beam parameter as irradiancy or power density. This value is 1378 W/m3 for near Earth missions and is known as “solar constant”.