JWST app "where is webb" just started displaying vehicle temperatures. It is said in the background info that these temperatures were predicted from thermal modeling. I would like to know how well the actual measured temperatures are comparing with the predictions. A reference to any published papers on the predictions would also be interesting.
In my youth, some time ago, on the Apollo project, I was involved in spacecraft thermal control and modelling efforts. At that time, the thermal analysis software was new and evolving as was the application of the software. Engine fuel components for the Service Module, for example, could not get too hot (would vaporize the storable fuel and/or oxidizer) or too cold (would freeze the fuel and oxidizer). Either situation could jeopardize the entire mission. Thermal control approaches were evolved to meet predicted problems. Our analytical thermal modelling predictions were found adequate (but not great) as verified through a thermal simulator wherein various radiation sources were applied to a full scale vehicle and later through actual data.
I'd be interested to see how well the current state-of-the-art predictions compare with the actual data. Should be better than in the distant past.
tom kosvic
