Thermal control of small spacecraft, including CubeSats, is a challenge for the next era of NASA spaceflight. Science objectives and components will still require strict thermal control while smaller volumes will inherently absorb and shed heat more quickly than a larger body. Thus, game-changing technologies must be developed to stabilize the thermal environment inside of small spacecraft.

Until now, CubeSats have not needed thermal control outside of resistive heaters due to the low power and short lifespan of most CubeSat missions; however, in the past few years, CubeSat solar panels have been developed by private companies that can produce up to 80W of power for a 3U (30 × 10 × 10 cm) spacecraft. Now, CubeSat and small satellite missions are being proposed that rise to meet this new technological envelope, with high-power instruments and multiple months or years of mission life. Therefore, it is critical that a thermal control system be designed for small spacecraft missions.

The CubeSat Form Factor Thermal Control Louvers use passive thermal control to significantly improve the internal thermal stability of small spacecraft, creating a difference of several watts in dissipated heat between open and closed louvers. The CubeSat louver assembly is based upon the proven designs of full-sized louvers for large spacecraft.

Internal spacecraft components are thermally coupled to the side of the spacecraft. Bimetallic springs serve as a passive control mechanism for opening and closing flaps. As the spacecraft heats up, the springs expand due to the difference in thermal expansion rates of their two fused metals (hence, bimetallic). This opens the flaps, changing the thermal radiation properties of the exterior surface. As the spacecraft cools, the flaps close and return the exterior surface to the previous emissivity. These temperature-driven adjustments create a more stable thermal environment for components.

The power dissipated via the thermal louvers shows a substantial difference between fully closed and fully open louvers at the high temperatures significant for electrical components.

NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize this technology. For more information, contact the Goddard Strategic Partnerships Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 301-286-5810. Follow this link here  for more information.