Session
Session VI: Student Scholarship Competition
Abstract
One of the major technical challenges facing small satellites in low earth orbit is the design of an adequate thermal control system. As the mass of a satellite decreases, the satellite becomes increasingly vulnerable to temperature changes induced by varying orbital heat loads. In order to assure that on-orbit satellite component temperatures are maintained within manufacturing limits, satellite heat transfer must be accurately modeled during the design and analysis of any small satellite. This paper addresses thermal modeling used during the design and analysis of the Combat Sentinel Satellite (CSSAT). An overview of the analysis used to make design decisions and create working thermal models is discussed. A thermal model of the satellite developed using SDRC I-deas Thermal Model Generator (TMG) is also explained. Results from thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC) tests are presented and compared to the analysis. Finally, the correlated thermal model is used to predict temperatures during extreme orbital heating environments.
Predictive Thermal Analysis of the Combat Sentinel Satellite
One of the major technical challenges facing small satellites in low earth orbit is the design of an adequate thermal control system. As the mass of a satellite decreases, the satellite becomes increasingly vulnerable to temperature changes induced by varying orbital heat loads. In order to assure that on-orbit satellite component temperatures are maintained within manufacturing limits, satellite heat transfer must be accurately modeled during the design and analysis of any small satellite. This paper addresses thermal modeling used during the design and analysis of the Combat Sentinel Satellite (CSSAT). An overview of the analysis used to make design decisions and create working thermal models is discussed. A thermal model of the satellite developed using SDRC I-deas Thermal Model Generator (TMG) is also explained. Results from thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC) tests are presented and compared to the analysis. Finally, the correlated thermal model is used to predict temperatures during extreme orbital heating environments.
