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ISSN Online: 2688-7231

ISBN Flash Drive: 978-1-56700-497-7

ISBN Online: 978-1-56700-496-0

Proceedings of the 25th National and 3rd International ISHMT-ASTFE Heat and Mass Transfer Conference (IHMTC-2019)
December, 28-31, 2019, IIT Roorkee, Roorkee, India

Thermal Control of Small Satellite in Very Low Earth Orbit

Get access (open in a dialog) DOI: 10.1615/IHMTC-2019.1030
pages 611-613

Abstract

Small satellites need special attention in its thermal control for in-orbit environment as well as testing in ground due to the challenges regarding dimensional and weight constrains, harsh orbital environment and nil or minimal redundancy philosophy. Present paper discusses thermal control of small satellite for very low earth orbit. As the orbit is lower earth orbit, the issue of atomic oxygen (AO) is major concern. Conventional external surfaces of satellite (Kapton based multilayered insulation, flexible optical solar reflector, solar panel, paints, etc) are susceptible to atomic oxygen in very LEO environment and needs protective coatings/layers. To mitigate the same, AO protective surface are implemented such as beta cloth (glass cloth embedded in Teflon) as outer surface of MLI, silicone based black paint, SiO2 coated flexible OSR etc. Theoretical estimation of erosion yield and eroded thickness for Kapton was also predicted with the open source SPENVIS software. This paper discusses thermal control for this satellite for AO environment. Experience during Thermal implementation, ground testing and in orbit performance.