This project presents the thermal and environmental analysis of a 6U CubeSat designed for ionospheric composition measurements on a 180-600 km elliptical orbit. Thermal analysis with the Systems Tool Kit (STK) and COMSOL software shows that components temperatures are within requirements. Surface charging analysis using the Space Plasma Interaction System (SPIS) software shows low surface potentials under nominal ambient plasma conditions. The total radiation dosage, micrometeorite and space debris impact fluxes evaluated with STK’s Space Environment and Effects Tool (SEET) present minimal risks. The magnetic fields induced by the magnetic torquers may require repositioning of the magnetometers. This project also presents the design and fabrication of a Helmholtz cage for future testing.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Smith, Harrison
• Lizotte, Tyler

Subject

• Infrastructure
• Environment
• Project-Based Learning
• Learning

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-032222-161114
• 52801

Stichwort

• Thermal
• Helmholtz Cage
• Satellite
• Ionosphere
• CubeSat
• Space Environments

Advisor

• Gatsonis, Nikolaos A.

Year

• 2022

UN Sustainable Development Goals

• 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Date created

• 2022-03-22

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Aerospace Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright