Design of the ISAT-1 Satellite Thermal Control System

Satellite technology improves the daily lives of almost all human beings. Satellites aid in communication, weather prediction, and global positioning. Other uses for satellites include conducting scientific experiments in micro gravity and space exploration missions. A major constraint placed on all satellites is the cost of launch. With a larger or heavier satellite, a larger more powerful launch vehicle is need. This larger launch vehicle increases the overall satellite cost. The development of smaller satellites promises lower cost by relaxing the launch vehicle cost constraint. Smaller and lighter satellites are less expensive to launch, and are expected to provide a significant role in the overall space program. This expectation can only be met by densely packing a satellite with needed components. When components are densely packed, the dissipation of internally generated heat becomes more critical. With less space for thermal control devices, substantial care must be used in the design of a satellite thermal control system (TCS). One such satellite is the Iowa Satellite Project (lSAT-1) (Severs ike et aI., 1994).