Analysis of the thermal control system for the 3U CubeSat nanosatellite – “IXAYA”

In recent years, space exploration has become increasingly accessible to a diverse array of countries, facilitated in part by CubeSat nanosatellites. These versatile nanosatellites find applications in a wide spectrum of fields, from forest fire detection and meteorological observation to communication systems, particle analysis, and hot spot identification. This article delves into the outcomes of a comprehensive thermal analysis conducted on the IXAYA nanosatellite. The primary mission of this nanosatellite is to identify hot spots in the vicinity of Mexico City. The thermal analysis process entails a meticulous review of each subsystem along with the associated boundary conditions. This study commences with the definition of an optical payload and a thorough assessment of subsystem requirements. Subsequently, we calculate both external and internal thermal loads. With these foundational data points, we progress to ascertain the temperature distribution across the entirety of the satellite, ensuring that all constituent elements remain within their designated operational temperature ranges. In the closing section, we present our findings and conclusions.