An interdisciplinary group of researchers is venturing into uncharted territory, literally, by tackling one of the most significant challenges in aerospace engineering—thermal management of electronics in space. This innovative team, led by Mickey Clemon, a professor in mechanical science and engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is experimenting with pioneering cooling technologies for heat sinks aboard a satellite orbiting Earth.
The unique environment of space presents a range of thermal management issues, especially for electronics that generate substantial waste heat. Unlike Earth, where convective cooling is abundant, a vacuum environment mandates alternative methods for heat dissipation. The materials and designs incorporated in solutions must either facilitate heat release through radiation or, in more extreme measures, constrain the operating capacity of onboard computing systems to stay within safe thermal limits.
This intricate balance between efficiency and safety is what the research team seeks to achieve. They have developed cutting-edge heat sinks embedded with a wax-based phase change material (PCM) that undergoes a transformation from solid to liquid at temperatures well within the operational spectrum of satellite electronics. This innovation allows the melting wax to absorb and store heat more effectively, thereby prolonging the lifespan of sensitive components and preventing overheating.
Clemon expressed optimism regarding the satellite program, stating, “University-sponsored satellites have a very low success rate of making it into space, so we’re exceptionally pleased to report that our system not only launched successfully but is functioning as designed.” The development and deployment of such technology is a critical progression for future space missions, aiming to enhance operational reliability and efficiency.
The test apparatus has been integrated into a CubeSat—a compact satellite design comprising cubic modules, each measuring 10 cm on a side. Launched in August 2024 as part of the Waratah Seed Mission, the CubeSat carries multiple payloads alongside the heat sinks. This research apparatus promises to explore various cooling cycles and operational modes. Clemon emphasized the need for diverse experimental parameters, noting, “We alternate our experiments with those of the other payloads.”
The initial results are promising, showcasing how the melting wax in the heat sinks significantly extends the operational time of electronics within a safe temperature range. The effects of microgravity do not alter the orientation of the wax within the heat sinks. This finding suggests the possibility of consistent performance across various satellite missions, which is crucial to the field of thermodynamics in a space context.
By validating their thermal management approach in an actual space environment, the team aims to bridge the gap between theoretical models and real-world applications. “We’ve developed simplified models to predict the performance of these heat sinks,” Clemon stated. Such models can offer future designers a benchmark for testing their designs without resorting to the costly process of building and physically testing new systems.
The satellite orbits every 90 minutes, alternating between sunlit and shadowed phases. Clemon and his team are particularly keen to understand how solar heating affects the operational capacity of these electronic devices. They are keen on correlating the thermal profiles resulting from solar exposure with the performance of their heat sink technology, which could provide invaluable insights for future satellite engineering.
Furthermore, this research contributes significantly to understanding how thermal management solutions can evolve. The integration of new materials and design philosophies can pave the way for advancements in satellite technology, with implications extending beyond simple heat dissipation. As the team continues their experiments, they aim to gather further data that will enable refinements in heat sink design and operation strategies.
The implications of this work stretch far beyond current satellite missions; they encompass the broader field of aerospace engineering. By addressing the complexities of managing thermal energy in space, the research could impact future missions to Mars and beyond, where reliable electronic performance is indispensable.
Studies like this are critical, especially as technology advances and the demand for powerful computational capabilities increases in smaller satellite designs. This ongoing work showcases just how cutting-edge research in thermal dynamics can facilitate enhanced performance in difficult environments, and it underscores the vital role of academic institutions in driving forward innovative solutions in aerospace technology.
The team recently documented their findings in the acclaimed International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer. With Laryssa Sueza Raffa as the primary author and Clemon’s PhD student, the publication highlights the urgency and relevance of their exploration in this challenging field. As space exploration continues to expand, the work being undertaken by Clemon and his colleagues is vital for the quest to make space more hospitable for technology that supports human endeavors beyond Earth.
The prospects triggered by these findings hold a beacon of hope for engineers and researchers alike. Enhancing the reliability and longevity of satellite operations in space not only fosters better mission outcomes, it cultivates a thriving space-tech industry invested in innovation—a promising frontier for current and future generations of engineers.
With ongoing experiments and future missions on the horizon, the realm of aerospace engineering is set to enter a new era enriched by sophisticated thermal management systems, illuminating the path forward in the relentless quest for knowledge and exploration that reaches beyond our planet.
Subject of Research: Thermal management for electronics in space
Article Title: Investigating the performance of a heat sink for satellite avionics thermal management: From ground-level testing to space-like conditions
News Publication Date: 8-May-2025
Web References: International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer
References: N/A
Image Credits: Credit: The Grainger College of Engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Keywords
Aerospace engineering, thermal management, heat sinks, satellite technology, phase change materials, space exploration, CubeSat, electronics cooling, microgravity effects, experimentation, thermal dynamics, spacecraft systems.
