Abstract
Currently, launching a satellite into orbit is plausible only for organizations with multi-million dollar budgets and requires three or more years for development and qualification. Small satellites traveling as secondary payloads on regularly scheduled launches provide access to space at a fraction of the cost and in a fraction of the time. However, a modular adaptable satellite container can significantly reduce cost and development schedule. By sealing and pressurizing the container to maintain an earthlike environment in orbit, a payload of unmodified terrestrial electronics can be integrated and launched in a matter of weeks. Such a container, SCUTE (Sealed Container for Universal Terrestrial Equipment), can provide a ride to space for K-12 educational experiments, research projects or electronic sensing and communication equipment. SCUTE can also enable military surveillance missions to be accomplished in a timely manner. A conceptual design investigation for SCUTE has been performed including benchmark designs and preliminary structural, thermal, and pressure loss analyses. This paper presents multiple design concepts for four different SCUTE attributes. The leading concept selected for thermal management is a forced air convection thermal switch (FACTS). Other SCUTE attributes selected for simplicity and compatibility with FACTS are the box configuration, an adjustable payload mounting shelf, and the use of air as the working fluid. These selected concepts are recommended for a preliminary design phase and more detailed analysis to make SCUTE a viable option for rapid and inexpensive access to space.
Rapid Satellite Deployment of a Consumer Electronics Payload
Currently, launching a satellite into orbit is plausible only for organizations with multi-million dollar budgets and requires three or more years for development and qualification. Small satellites traveling as secondary payloads on regularly scheduled launches provide access to space at a fraction of the cost and in a fraction of the time. However, a modular adaptable satellite container can significantly reduce cost and development schedule. By sealing and pressurizing the container to maintain an earthlike environment in orbit, a payload of unmodified terrestrial electronics can be integrated and launched in a matter of weeks. Such a container, SCUTE (Sealed Container for Universal Terrestrial Equipment), can provide a ride to space for K-12 educational experiments, research projects or electronic sensing and communication equipment. SCUTE can also enable military surveillance missions to be accomplished in a timely manner. A conceptual design investigation for SCUTE has been performed including benchmark designs and preliminary structural, thermal, and pressure loss analyses. This paper presents multiple design concepts for four different SCUTE attributes. The leading concept selected for thermal management is a forced air convection thermal switch (FACTS). Other SCUTE attributes selected for simplicity and compatibility with FACTS are the box configuration, an adjustable payload mounting shelf, and the use of air as the working fluid. These selected concepts are recommended for a preliminary design phase and more detailed analysis to make SCUTE a viable option for rapid and inexpensive access to space.
