Development of a Microelectromechanical System for Small Satellite Thermal Control

TL;DRAbstract

Abstract : Trends in space technology require future satellites to be smaller and cheaper than their contemporary counterparts. This new direction requires a similar evolution in thermal control. Previous techniques such as heat pipes and conventional radiators have large masses themselves and are not scaleable to fit these smaller designs. Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) offer unique advantages in mass and scalability. By coating a satellite with thousands of MEMS devices, thermal control can respond to variations in thermal capacity. This project involved the development of a variable radiator that would control a satellite(Y)s temperature by changing the heat conduction between the satellite and a MEMS surface coating. These MEMS devices operate by using a voltage to deflect an emissive surface layer into thermal contact with the structure below. By designing for a voltage of 20 to 24V, these devices can operate on the bus voltage supplied by many satellites produced today. Te

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