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National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight Center

Astrophysics Science Division | Sciences and Exploration

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A Large Radiator
Attached to the outside of Hubble, the radiator is designed to expel the heat generated by the cryo-cooler into space.

The CPL can be seen dangling from the bottom of the radiator.
   Summary


In order for a mechanical cooler to be efficient, heat must be siphoned off and away from it. Enter the Capillary Pump Loop, and the Radiator. These are standard devices used in many cooling apparatuses like a refrigerator, although on Hubble there are a few key differences - such as the radiator being 12 feet tall.

These components were built by Swales in Beltsville, MD.

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More . . .
3D animation - watch the red-dotted line. Heat is transfered through the CPL (the tube) and out through the radiator.