Deployable Radiator for Enhanced CubeSat Thermal Control

摘要

A radiator that is housed internal to the CubeSat until the satellite is deployed from its launcher into space. Once the satellite is deployed, the radiator latch is released allowing the radiator to deploy in two sections. The radiator sections slide along guides through slots in the satellite panels. Each section is on opposite sides of the CubeSat to minimise attitude disturbance on release. Following release, the radiator remains attached to the satellite along one edge and is locked into place by one-way locking catches. This design allows the sides of the satellite to be used for fixed solar panels or protective shielding.