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Defauw_52721400_2019.pdf
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- In recent years, a new spacecraft design has emerged: the CubeSat. This cube-shaped satellite of only a few kilograms can be put into orbit for competitive prices, hence its predominant place in the space scene. These satellites are usually characterized by a low Earth orbit and therefore experience alternating sunny periods and eclipses. This behavior challenges space engineers that need to ensure that the satellite's components remain within their recommended temperature ranges to avoid failure or performance losses. This work provides an introduction to the thermal behavior of a CubeSat. The target reader is not familiar with space thermal concerns, the approach adopted is thus didactic and general. The first part presents the CubeSat as a single thermal node. This simplified thermal analysis covers and discusses many parameters that influence the temperature profile of the CubeSat while remaining simple and understandable. The second part presents the CubeSat itself, its main features and performances and establishes its thermal requirements. Finally, the last part merges the previous chapters into a concrete case. This study case offers a more detailed analysis to the reader, that will hopefully help him to acquire a complete understanding of the subject.