Document Type
Thesis
First Advisor
Dr. Stephen Case
Publication Date
Spring 5-10-2019
Scholarship Domain(s)
Scholarship of Discovery
Abstract
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory is sending a 3U CubeSat into LEO to search for a 3.5 keV photon corresponding to the decay of a theorized dark matter particle called the sterile neutrino. The CubeSat will encounter environmental variations while in orbit that can be computed through an orbital analysis using System’s Tool Kit. In order to minimize thermal noise readout, improve optical resolution, and increase bandwidth, the sensors must be kept below 170K while taking data. This temperature is difficult to achieve due to radiation from the Sun and the Earth’s albedo radiation. Through the thermal analysis, the lowest temperature achieved by the CubeSat throughout its orbit is 190K. In order to maintain the required sensor temperature, the CubeSat’s cooling methods must be changed.
Using the information gained from the thermal analysis, the solar panel simulation results can be analyzed. A six-panel approach resulted in maximum power of 11 watts. The nine-panel approach generated 22 watts at a sustained level, such that each orbit would yield a total of 39.6 kJ. With a power requirement of 20 watts, the nine-panel approach would be ideal.
Recommended Citation
Dickey, Katie, "Thermal and Orbital Analysis of DarkNESS CubeSat" (2019). Honors Program Projects. 108.
https://digitalcommons.olivet.edu/honr_proj/108
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Included in
Acoustics, Dynamics, and Controls Commons, Computer-Aided Engineering and Design Commons, Electrical and Electronics Commons, Heat Transfer, Combustion Commons, Other Engineering Science and Materials Commons, Power and Energy Commons, Space Vehicles Commons
Comments
Cohort 9
Anna Katherine Dickey (Chennault)
https://www.olivet.edu/news/dark-matter-inspires-olivet-honors-capstone-research-and-senior-design-project