MOSCOW, November 1. A method for calculating the danger of thermal shock for small spacecraft was developed by scientists from Samara University. According to them, these calculations will make it possible to simplify work with satellites, adjust the orbital motion model, and can be used to create small satellites for technological purposes. The research results were published in Microgravity Science and Technology.
As university experts noted, small spacecraft have a number of advantages. Unlike middle-class designs and orbital stations, they are cheaper, can be manufactured in a short time and simultaneously launched in large quantities.
At the same time, the effective use of small satellites requires a large number of various types of additional research aimed at identifying the characteristics of their behavior in certain conditions. One of these features is temperature shock.
Previously, its influence on spacecraft and orbital stations was usually neglected, since it was believed that it was too small.
However, experiments conducted in 2017 on the International Space Station with promising ultra-thin ROSA (Roll-Out Solar Array) solar panels showed that temperature shock caused significant fluctuations in these panels. After the end of the experiment, the vibrations did not allow the ROSA panel to be folded back, and it had to be shot away from the station in an expanded form.
According to experts, a new method for assessing the need to take into account disturbances from thermal shock on the movement of small satellites can increase the efficiency of small spacecraft, which was developed by scientists from Samara University.
With its help, designers can draw conclusions about the advisability of taking into account the temperature shock for a particular small satellite and make adjustments to the model of its orbital motion, which in turn, will allow us to more effectively solve target problems. For example, obtaining clearer images when remotely sensing the Earth from space, the university believes.
According to scientists, the results obtained can be used to create small satellites for technological purposes.
«»Of course, other scientific teams have similar developments. However, the method presented in our work is an attempt at an integrated approach when making decisions about taking into account temperature impact, integrating the main features of a small spacecraft,” said Professor of the Department of Space Engineering named after General Designer D.I. Kozlov Samara University Andrey Sedelnikov.
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According to him, a mathematical description of the temperature shock requires complex calculations, which is not always justified. However, in some cases it must be taken into account.
This work was carried out within the framework of the state assignment of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Russian Federation. In the future, scientists plan to give a more accurate description of the process of temperature shock and its impact on the quality of performance of target tasks by a small spacecraft. For example, the possible loss of stability of a solar panel due to temperature shock is considered.
Samara University is a participant in the Russian state program for supporting universities «Priority 2030» of the national project «Science and Universities».