Alçak dünya yörüngeleri̇ndeki̇ küçük uydularin termal modellemesi̇ ve enerji̇ anali̇zi̇

The interest in small satellites, playing crucial role in various tasks from communication to scientific research, have been strongly increasing. The process of designing and developing small satellites requires detailed engineering approaches to ensure safe and reliable space missions. This research concentrates on thermal modeling and energy analysis of small satellites, specifically CubeSats, operating at various low Earth orbits by considering the thermal environment in space, orbital characteristics, and satellite design parameters, with respect to thermal behavior. The aims of this study include revealing relationships among the variables effecting thermal performance of satellites, investigating the effects of deployable solar panels, providing valuable insight for satellite thermal modeling, and developing a fast and accurate thermal analyzer tool for thermal testing in the early design stage. First, external heat loads and temperature distributions for CubeSats sizing from 1U to 12U were examined for orbital altitudes from 400 km to 2000 km, beta angles from 0 to 75 degrees, and different coating types. Then, the thermal effects associated with solar panel deployment angles were assessed in detail by changing deployment angles from -75 to +75 degrees. Finally, a spreadsheet thermal simulation tool for predicting and obtaining the temperature distribution of the satellite with an acceptable accuracy for preliminary design phases was developed by utilizing numerical methods. The results presented that orbital altitude, beta angle, satellite size and surface properties greatly influence the absorbed heat by satellite panels and temperature distribution across the satellite. It was also shown that the satellite heat budget is affected by deployment angles. Furthermore, the developed tool was found to be a cost-effective solution when compared to the real thermal test data. In conclusion, the findings of this study can be beneficial, particularly in developing small satellites and determining optimal orbital configurations, in the preliminary design phase.