Effect of beta angle and contact conductances on the temperature distribution of a 3U CubeSat

Contact conductances are a significant factor in the thermal analysis aimed at assuring safe on-orbit temperatures for a nanosatellite. In this work, the effect of the thermal contact conductances and the beta angle on the temperature of the components of a realistic 3U CubeSat model is investigated theoretically. As part of the explanation of the methodology used, Python scripts are provided that compute the temperature of a simplified multinodal model. When beta = 0 degrees, the subsystems of the realistic satellite model present temperatures within their operating ranges for contact conductance variations spanning an order of magnitude. Reduction of the contact conductances yields dissimilar effects on the internal and external components: the amplitudes and average values of the temperature oscillation of external components, like the solar cells, increase; in contrast, the oscillation amplitudes of internal components decrease and insignificant changes are observed in their average temperature. Increase of beta from 0 degrees to 75 degrees produces a raise of the average temperature, but a decrement of the oscillation amplitude, for all subsystems. All components stay inside their operating ranges, for beta from 0 degrees to 15 degrees. The results suggest that, if the payload (camera) is insulated, this domain could be extended up to beta = 45 degrees. We expect that our results will guide the design of CubeSat missions.