CUSP: New Frontiers in Solar Research

The CUbesat Solar Polarimeter (CUSP) project is about launching two small satellites, called CubeSats, into space to study solar flares. These CubeSats will measure how the light from solar flares is polarized, which can provide important information about the Sun's behavior, specifically how energy and particles are released during these events. This information is critical for understanding space weather, which can affect technology and life on Earth.

The project is approved by the Italian Space Agency and is set to move into the next phase of development in 2024. The CubeSats will use a special instrument that relies on a technique called Compton Scattering to gather the necessary data.

#Design Goals

Designing a CubeSat comes with many challenges. These small satellites must fit within strict size and weight limits while also meeting scientific needs. A strong mechanical design is essential for ensuring that the instruments can function correctly and carry out the mission's objectives. This involves carefully considering the material and structural components that make up the CubeSat.

The mission's design will go through several phases. In the early stages, a simplified model of the CubeSat was created to establish a baseline. This model will help guide the development of the satellites as engineers evaluate and optimize each part.

#Workflow and Software Used

For this project, various software tools are used to aid in the design and analysis process:

• SolidWorks is a program that allows engineers to create detailed 3D models of parts and assemblies. It's useful for visualizing complex mechanical systems and ensuring they fit together properly.
• ANSYS is a suite of software applications used for simulation and analysis. Within ANSYS, several specific tools are utilized:
  • SpaceClaim is used to create solid models quickly.
  • Meshing generates the grid used for Simulations, important for accurately analyzing how materials will respond under different conditions.
  • Workbench connects all the different software tools and helps manage the workflow.
• Thermica is a specialized program for thermal analysis, ensuring that the CubeSat can withstand extreme temperatures in space.

Each piece of software plays a role in creating a unified picture of how the spacecraft will operate.

#Design and Material Selection

The mechanical design for the CubeSat is focused on creating a strong and lightweight structure. The Payload consists of various components that work together to collect data during the mission. Components include aluminum interfaces, a protective housing, specialized detectors, and filters.

The team has carefully selected materials for each part based on their mechanical properties, ensuring that they can handle the stresses and temperatures expected during the mission.

#Simulation and Analysis

Before building the CubeSat, extensive computer simulations are conducted. These simulations help engineers assess how well the design will perform under various conditions. The simulations include:

1. Quasi-static Analysis: This simulates extreme mechanical stresses, applying forces to see how the structure holds up.
2. Random Vibration Analysis: This ensures that the structure can handle the vibrations experienced during launch. These analyses are based on established standards to ensure safety.
3. Thermo-elastic Analysis: This checks how thermal loads from space affect the materials. The CubeSat will experience both extreme heat and cold, so understanding these effects is critical.
4. Modal Analysis: This looks at how the structure vibrates and ensures it does not exceed certain limits.

These analyses are vital for confirming that the CubeSat can withstand its environment.

#Results and Improvements

The simulation results have been promising thus far. The CubeSat has shown it can handle the expected mechanical stresses. The modal analysis confirmed that the design meets the necessary requirements for vibration. However, some areas, particularly the scintillator frame and the connection points to the platform, indicated a need for redesign.

To address these findings, a preliminary redesign was undertaken. Engineers used innovative modeling techniques to create new versions of the components that showed weaknesses. This iterative optimization helps to improve the overall strength and durability of the CubeSat.

#Technological Demonstrator

To validate the updated designs, a technological demonstrator was created. This is a smaller version of the CubeSat that incorporates the optimized components. It allows engineers to test how well the new designs perform under real-world conditions.

Using advanced manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing, the parts of the demonstrator can be produced with high precision. This flexibility in production allows for quick adjustments based on the findings from each round of testing.

#Conclusion and Future Steps

The structured approach used in the CUSP project has significantly improved the design of the CubeSat payload. By focusing on analysis, optimization, and testing, the project team is enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of the mission.

Moving forward, additional detailed analyses will be conducted, and the team will continue to make adjustments based on the findings from the technological demonstrator. Environmental tests will also be performed to ensure that the final design can withstand the unique challenges of space.

Overall, this mission aims to provide valuable data about solar flares and space weather, which could have a profound impact on our understanding of the Sun and its effects on Earth.