Deep space CubeSats thermal analysis and control strategies.

CubeSats for deep-space applications are becoming increasingly popular and successful. The aim of this thesis, developed in collaboration with the Italian space company Argotec, is to present the analysis methodologies and design options available on this category of satellites for thermal control. To do this, two missions used as case studies will be presented: LUMIO (Lunar Meteoroid Impact Observer) and HENON (HEliospheric pioNeer for sOlar and interplanetary threats defeNce). HENON and LUMIO missions are pioneering deep-space projects employing 12U CubeSat platforms. HENON aims to advance space weather forecasting by placing a CubeSat in a distant retrograde orbit (DRO) around the Earth, providing early warning signals for solar events. LUMIO, on the other hand, is designed to monitor the hidden side of the Moon from a halo orbit around the L2 point of the Earth-Moon system, detecting flashes from meteoroid impacts. Though both missions face deep-space thermal environments, their unique characteristics pose distinct challenges. HENON’s criticality lies in operating correctly at varying distances from the Sun (0.93 AU to 1.07 AU) and managing the presence of an electric thruster on board. Meanwhile, LUMIO experiences fewer solar flux variations but may encounter eclipses during its operational life. Both missions face high dissipation density coupled with limited volume and mass, making thermal system design particularly challenging and forcing thermal engineers to make use of operational constraints in combination with passive and active techniques. This thesis will outline the analysis process in the ESATAN-TMS 2023 environment and design choices made to address the environmental and operational scenarios of HENON and LUMIO. The thermal challenges, methodologies and solutions implemented will be discussed. The thesis will conclude by offering insights into the workflow of next phases for both missions, highlighting the lessons learned and potential areas for improvement. The challenges faced and the solutions developed for HENON and LUMIO could provide valuable lessons for future deep-space CubeSat missions.