Small Satellite Thermal Modeling Guide

Abstract

This work is an introduction to the methods and concepts necessary to develop and analyze a small satellite thermal model 1. The reader can apply this knowledge to better develop a successful thermal design. The topics of thermal design, thermal modeling, thermal analysis, and thermal control will be introduced and discussed. Additionally, thermal design from a systems engineering perspective is discussed. Throughout this work, industry standard software is used to demonstrate the methods and concepts being presented. This work assumes that the reader has a basic understanding of orbital mechanics, heat transfer, and satellite components. While the reader is not required to be an expert in these fields, the reader should understand the basic concepts (i.e., what they are and why they are important). New concepts and topics are introduced and defined as necessary throughout this work.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 2022
Accession Number
AD1170386

Entities

People

  • Isaac Foster

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Climate Change
  • Energy
  • Engineers
  • Finishes
  • Heat Pipes
  • Heat Transfer
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Optical Properties
  • Satellite Orbits
  • Small Satellites
  • Solar Panels
  • Solar Radiation
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Orbits
  • Specific Heat
  • Surface Properties
  • Systems Engineering
  • Temperature Control
  • Thermal Conductivity
  • Thermophysical Properties

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Technical Research and Report Writing.
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.

Technology Areas

  • Space