Masters Theses

Keywords and Phrases

Low Earth Orbit; Small Satellite; Thermal Analysis; Thermal Control; Thermal Desktop; Thermal Modeling

Abstract

"Small satellites are becoming more popular in the space sector, primarily due to their lower cost and shorter development time. Much of the information available about satellite thermal analysis and control refers to larger spacecraft. Sorting through this information to find the practices specifically applicable for small satellites can be a daunting task, particularly for inexperienced engineers. This thesis study is intended to inform the reader about basic thermal control and analysis methods that relate specifically to small satellites in low Earth orbit. A case study involving a satellite designed by the Missouri University of Science and Technology Satellite Research Team is presented to demonstrate the use of computer software for thermal analysis and the thermal control methods used to ensure that the satellite electrical component temperatures remain in the necessary range for proper operation.

The process presented in the case study involves the construction of multiple revisions of the potential satellite thermal model. The analysis results presented demonstrate how increasing model complexity and nodal resolution affect resulting satellite temperatures. The passive thermal control method of manipulating satellite surface optical properties is used to raise the satellite component temperatures to the necessary range"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Pernicka, Hank

Committee Member(s)

Hengeveld, Derek
Kinzel, Edward C.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Aerospace Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2018

Pagination

xv, 134 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 130-133).

Rights

© 2018 Katelyn Elizabeth Boushon, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 11269

Electronic OCLC #

1041857062

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