Structural/Thermal analysis of CENSSAT-1 and its payload subsystems
To ensure that a spacecraft can survive the harsh launch and space environment, we need to perform a structural and thermal analysis to verify that the system is able to withstand the launch loads and the significant temperature differences in space. You will begin by developing a structural and/or thermal model for the payloads hosted inside CENSSAT-1 and slowly build up to capture the entire satellite on your models: at that point a structural and thermal analysis is to be performed. This is the first step in ensuring that CENSSAT-1 can survive in space and there is a chance that you will also be able to participate in the environmental test campaign at subsystem level to verify your own analysis.
Environmental testing of CENSSAT and its payload subsystems (possible with 30SP)
To ensure that a spacecraft can survive the harsh launch and space environment, we need to perform environmental tests, such as thermal-vacuum, and mechanical stress tests. In this thesis project, you design and/or prepare ground support equipment (such as a mass dummy or adapters) and test equipment needed to perform these environmental tests. You prepare test plans, join a test campaign, and analyse the test results.
Radiation testing of electrical components or subsystems
Radiation in space is one of the biggest challenges for electronic components as the radiation can damage components and lead to either data or mission loss. Space-qualified components, however, are very expensive and not affordable in university projects. In LEO missions, commercial of the shelf (COTS) components have been proven to be sufficient when mission lifetime is limited and the orbit is sufficiently low. However, SEEs and TID effect also the COTS components. To prove suitability of individual parts and estimate the behavior, TID and SEE tests need to be performed still. This task includes design and manufacturing of support and test equipment for either a TID or SEE test, preparation of the test plan, joining the test campaign, and analysing the test results.