Introduction to thermal control design process for CubeSats in Mexico

Abstract

CubeSats are a popular type of spacecraft categorized as nanosatellites. In 1999, Professors first developed these devices at California Polytechnic State University and Stanford University to offer an affordable and accessible experience to students. Data information updated up to May 31st, 2023, shows that 2286 Nanosats have been launched, where 2105 were CubeSats. Moreover, 82 countries have nanosats, whereas Latin America has 44 CubeSat. The fact that Mexico just 5 launched 5 CubeSats is a consequence of the complicated space sector ecosystem in the nation that combines lack of funding and, more importantly, the absence of ¨know-how¨ design space missions from scratch. This manuscript reviews the system engineering methodology used to develop space missions, according to NASA discussing a particular methodology for CubeSat Missions. Next, a CubeSat data trend is shown, followed by a general description of its subsystems. Afterward, the design process activities of the Thermal Control Subsystem (TCS) based on the “NASA Systems Engineering Processes and Requirements” and “Thermal analysis handbook is described. The TCS is often underestimated and confused to implement. For this reason, a design methodology for the TCS accepted to Mexico context is proposed. Finally, the conclusions are presented.