Thermal Design of the Satellite Energization and Radiation in Geospace

Abstract

The thermal control design of the Energization and Radiation in Geospace satellite (ERG) is presented. ERG is a spin-stabilized science research satellite with an orbit altitude that varies within 300–30000 km so as to pass the orbit of the Van Allen Belts. Because of this orbit, ERG will be exposed to a severe space environment. ERG will be lanched in 2015 by an Epsilon-2 rocket from the Uchinoura Space Center. ERG is divided into two elements: a bus system and a payload system. The payload system has plasma and particle sensors, electric field and plasma wave sensors, and magnetic field sensors. The mission is to study Solar Cycle 24 by direct measurement of space storms. ERG is controlled mainly by passive thermal devices. Due to the mission requirement, the thermal material must be radiation resistant and the surface must be electrically conductive. We carried out thermal balance tests at ISAS in September 2013 by using IR panels.