• Read Through Active Cooling Systems Angelina Costa Izaan Rizvi Dustin Wang Kareena Shah Katherine Diaz Govea 22 Nov 2025 
• Research encoders and note potential controls system needed to correct angle Angelina Costa Izaan Rizvi Dustin Wang Kareena Shah Katherine Diaz Govea 22 Nov 2025 

Quick TLDR

What We Covered

• Reviewed active and passive thermal control systems.

• Discussed encoder types and angle-fixing mechanisms.

Saturday Objective

• Read four NASA active thermal systems by Saturday (https://www.nasa.gov/smallsat-institute/sst-soa/thermal-control/#7.3.2)

• Research encoders and compatible mechanical positioning systems by Saturday as well (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QqiHvV6kmdsQS3tjf9hYZ2kM215mnp_SR3qzB6RirYY/edit?usp=sharing)

• Finalize clearer sub-team objectives together on Saturday

• Ask questions anytime—we’re all learning together.

Active Cooling Systems

• Combination of fluid loops and TECs
  • TECs are potentially COTS (~$50)
  • Need to select fluid loop type (single-phase, two-phase, mechanically pumped..)
• TEC based thermal control system for optical payloads research paper: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1359431123001308

Passive Cooling Systems

Thermal Straps

• Conductively transfer heat
• Doesn't add structural loads
• Blocks at ends of strap to be mounted

Thermal Louvers

• Regulate heat dissipation
• Function as shutters
• Typically associated with larger mass and power input

Deployable Radiators

• Dedicated surface for dissipating excess heat
• Stowed during transit and deployed when needed

MLI/Tapes/Film/Etc.

• Probably not helpful because would interfere with sun radiation (used to stratify temp)

Potential Encoder - PID System
Could potentially look into a proportional–integral–derivative (PID) controller system that would use tick marks based off of the encoder system readings to help align us correct our angle.

Look into encoder systems and understand how they work at a base level

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QqiHvV6kmdsQS3tjf9hYZ2kM215mnp_SR3qzB6RirYY/edit?usp=sharing