Computer-aided design and simulation of a microsatellite power system through LabVIEW

Authors

Rosula S. J. Reyes ⋅ PH Department of Physics and Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University
Giovanni P. Lao ⋅ PH Department of Physics and Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University
Erwin M. Sabio ⋅ PH Department of Physics and Engineering, Ateneo de Manila University

Abstract

Microsatellite system design involves the development of several subsystems that include accelerometers, attitude control, communication payload, ground station, magnetometers, picosat processing units, and power, structure, and thermal controls. Among these subsystems, the most critical is the design of an efficient power generation and distribution system that will support the entire microsatellite system throughout its mission in the harsh conditions of space.
In this study, the feasibility and reliability of a proposed microsatellite power system based on the UNISAT I design is tested using the LabVIEW Graphical Programming Software. LabVIEW has been used for simulating both the space environment parameters affecting satellite power and the various system components themselves. Primary power sources are high-efficiency GaAs cells and commercial grade NiCd batteries. The resulting power system here is simple, low-cost, and designed to deliver the required power to the satellite even in worst-case conditions. The purpose of this study is to optimize the design for implementation in the near future.

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Issue

1999: Proceedings of the 17th National Physics Congress of the Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas

Article ID

SPP-1999-PE-05

Section

Physics Education

Published

1999-10-22

How to Cite

[1]

RSJ Reyes, GP Lao, and EM Sabio, Computer-aided design and simulation of a microsatellite power system through LabVIEW, Proceedings of the Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas 17, SPP-1999-PE-05 (1999). URL: https://proceedings.spp-online.org/article/view/SPP-1999-PE-05.