In this Part 1 of the spacecraft thermal control and design data handbooks, view factors of diffuse and specular thermal surfaces are discussed. For diffuse surfaces, calculations are given for radiation emission and absorption between different configurations of planar, cylindrical, conical, spherical and ellipsoidal surfaces for finite and infinite surfaces. For specular surfaces the affect of reflectance on calculations for view factors is included in the calculations. View factors for specular and diffuse surfaces are also included. The Thermal design handbook is published in 16 Parts TR 17603-31-01 Thermal design handbook Part 1: View factors TR 17603-31-02 Thermal design handbook Part 2: Holes, Grooves and Cavities TR 17603-31-03 Thermal design handbook Part 3: Spacecraft Surface Temperature TR 17603-31-04 Thermal design handbook Part 4: Conductive Heat Transfer TR 17603-31-05 Thermal design handbook Part 5: Structural Materials: Metallic and Composite TR 17603-31-06 Thermal design handbook Part 6: Thermal Control Surfaces TR 17603-31-07 Thermal design handbook Part 7: Insulations TR 17603-31-08 Thermal design handbook Part 8: Heat Pipes TR 17603-31-09 Thermal design handbook Part 9: Radiators TR 17603-31-10 Thermal design handbook Part 10: Phase Change Capacitors TR 17603-31-11 Thermal design handbook Part 11: Electrical Heating TR 17603-31-12 Thermal design handbook Part 12: Louvers TR 17603-31-13 Thermal design handbook Part 13: Fluid Loops TR 17603-31-14 Thermal design handbook Part 14: Cryogenic Cooling TR 17603-31-15 Thermal design handbook Part 15: Existing Satellites TR 17603-31-16 Thermal design handbook Part 16: Thermal Protection System