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Small Spacecraft Integrated Power System with Active Thermal Control

Completed TRL 5 (started at 3, targeting 5)

Description

This project will develop an integrated power generation and energy storage system with an active thermal management system. Carbon fiber solar panels will contain microvascular fluid channels, and provide battery cooling and a cold plate for other satellite devices. The system is scalable from 6U CubeSats up to 100 kg small satellites.

Benefits

This project will significantly increase the capabilities of deep space CubeSats, allowing more powerful and hotter spacecraft systems than are currently available with state of the art commercial systems. This new system will fulfill the needs of upcoming NASA cislunar missions and beyond.

Details

Technology areaThermal Management Systems > Thermal Control Components and Systems
ProgramSmall Spacecraft Technology (SST)
Lead organizationUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
Start date2015-10-01
End date2017-12-31

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.