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Description
This paper presents the thermal vacuum chamber (TVaC) testing campaign and thermal model correlation of the 6S CubeSat, the first fully student-developed 1U spacecraft designed, integrated, and tested at Politecnico di Milano by Polispace within the ESA "Fly Your Satellite!" programme. This project represents a significant milestone in the academic training of future space engineers. The 6S CubeSat is designed to host two payloads: VOLTA and PESCA. Given the passive thermal control approach, the design strategically leverages internal and external heat fluxes to subject VOLTA—a structural battery under development—to thermal stresses for evaluating its structural performance.
The paper details pre-test thermal predictions, the Thermal Balance Test (TBT) setup within the TVaC campaign, and the parameter tuning methodology employed to enhance model accuracy in compliance with ECSS standards. Simulation results are compared with experimental data, highlighting key discrepancies, corrective measures undertaken, and the evaluation of the thermal design solutions’ effectiveness. Test data analysis is also presented, with particular focus on the justification of unexpected thermal behaviours observed during the campaign. Beyond technical findings, the paper discusses the educational impact of executing a complete space qualification process within an academic environment, emphasizing the innovative character of student-led missions and the crucial support provided by ESA in fostering practical experience within the space sector.
