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Description
The thermal design of a CubeSat can present unique challenges that stem from the small size and desired low complexity of the spacecraft. It is often impractical to include proper thermal control components. As such, thermal modelling becomes the main tool for ensuring that the satellite can operate using passive systems. These challenges are more demanding when the project is led by students.
ELECTRA (Electron Layer Exploration using CubeSat for TEC Research and Analysis) is a 3U CubeSat being developed by the CubeSat PoliTO Team for ionospheric measurements and technological demonstration of an innovative electric solid-state thruster. During the last two years, the Team, with the support of ESA’s experts within the Fly Your Satellite! Design Booster 2 programme, designed a mainly passive thermal control system based on surface coatings and a heater for the batteries. To assess the functionality of the system, we modeled the satellite using Thermal Desktop. The modelling showed that the satellite can maintain an acceptable temperature range. However, at this stage of development there are a lot of details that have to be refined. Finally, a TVAC test will be conducted, and the thermal model will be refined.
The work carried out provided valuable experience both in thermal modelling and project management. This paper details the thermal modelling process and the lessons that might be valuable for other university teams.