ISO 16378-2022 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 16378:2022 — Space systems — Measurements of thermo‑optical properties of thermal control materials. This international standard specifies measurement methods, required instruments and equipment, sample configurations, calibration and reference material requirements, and reporting criteria for determining solar absorptance and infrared emittance of materials used for spacecraft thermal control.

Abstract

ISO 16378:2022 defines multiple test methods for thermo‑optical characterization, compares method features, describes limitations and biases, and gives requirements to ensure traceable, high‑quality data for use in material selection, thermal design, process control and quality assurance of space systems. It includes normative annexes covering spectrophotometer and comparative methods for solar absorptance and several methods for hemispherical and normal infrared emittance measurements.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard).
• Publication date: September 2022 (Edition 2, 2022-09).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 49.140 — Space systems and operations.
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2022).
• Number of pages: 37 pages (published document).

Scope

This standard specifies test methods, sample configurations and calculation procedures to determine thermo‑optical properties of thermal control materials used in space systems. It covers solar absorptance (spectrophotometer and comparative methods), hemispherical infrared emittance (thermal test method) and normal infrared emittance (IR spectrometer, ellipsoid collector optics, and rotating‑cavity methods). The document also sets out facility, equipment, calibration, reference‑material and reporting requirements to control uncertainty and enable data comparability.

Key topics and requirements

• Defined test methods for solar absorptance: spectrophotometer method (αs) and comparative test method (αp).
• Hemispherical infrared emittance measurement by thermal test method (εh‑t).
• Normal infrared emittance methods: IR spectrometer (εn‑s), ellipsoid collector optics (εn‑e) and two rotating cavities (εn‑c).
• Requirements for sample preparation, configuration, cleaning, handling, storage and identification to reduce measurement variability.
• Calibration, reference standards and traceability requirements to ensure data quality and comparability.
• Mandatory reporting contents, uncertainty evaluation, precision criteria, and procedures for non‑conformance and quality assurance.

Typical use and users

Used by spacecraft thermal engineers, materials scientists, test laboratories, procurement and quality teams in the space industry, and researchers requiring standardized, traceable thermo‑optical data for thermal analysis, design verification, material selection and on‑ground qualification of thermal control coatings and components.

Related standards

ISO 16378:2022 replaces ISO 16378:2013 (withdrawn) and is produced under ISO/TC 20/SC 14 (Space systems and operations). Relevant neighbouring standards are other ISO and national standards addressing space‑system test methods, thermal vacuum testing and materials properties; users should consult committee publications (ISO/TC 20/SC 14) and national adoptions (e.g., BS ISO, DIN) for complementary test and qualification standards.

Keywords

thermo‑optical properties; thermal control materials; solar absorptance; infrared emittance; space systems; material characterization; calibration; measurement uncertainty; ISO 16378.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: An ISO International Standard that specifies standardized measurement methods and requirements to determine solar absorptance and infrared emittance of materials used for spacecraft thermal control (ISO 16378:2022, 2nd edition).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers multiple measurement methods (spectrophotometer and comparative methods for solar absorptance; thermal, spectrometer, ellipsoid collector and rotating‑cavity methods for infrared emittance), sample configuration, equipment and facility requirements, calibration and reference materials, uncertainty assessment and reporting. Normative annexes specify the detailed test procedures.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Spacecraft thermal designers and analysts, materials test laboratories, coatings manufacturers, procurement and QA personnel in the space sector, and researchers who need traceable thermo‑optical data for design, verification and quality control.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current. ISO 16378:2022 (published September 2022) is the active edition and supersedes ISO 16378:2013, which was withdrawn when the 2022 edition was published.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone ISO standard within the work of ISO/TC 20/SC 14 (space systems and operations). It relates thematically to other ISO and national standards covering space‑system testing, thermal vacuum testing and materials qualification, but it is not numbered as part of a multi‑part ISO 16378 series.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: thermo‑optical, solar absorptance, infrared emittance, thermal control, space systems, measurement methods, calibration, uncertainty, ISO 16378.