On-orbit thermal deformation prediction for a high-resolution satellite camera

Thermal-structural analysis of satellite camera in the early design phase as well as during the later experimental verification is important due to the extreme thermal environment. The purpose of this work is to numerically investigate the thermal deformation for a high-resolution satellite camera under solar radiation. Based on the onorbit thermal environment of the geosynchronous orbit, thermal-structural finite element model of the satellite camera is developed and opto-thermo-mechanical analysis of the optical system is proposed. Transient temperature distributions of the satellite camera under different extreme heat loads are obtained. Mirror deformations, translation and rotation have been introduced to the optical analysis and modulation transfer function analysis has been performed. Numerical simulation results reveal the dynamic response of the optical system under transient temperature and the thermal vacuum test predicts the imagery quality of the satellite camera, which can provide guidance for designers to analyze the on-orbit stability for the optical camera.

Automated summary

This research focuses on numerically investigating the thermal deformation of a high-resolution satellite camera under solar radiation and developing a thermal-structural finite element model of the camera. The study also proposes opto-thermo-mechanical analysis of the optical system, obtaining transient temperature distributions and performing modulation transfer function analysis. Results reveal the dynamic response of the optical system under transient temperature and predict the imagery quality of the satellite camera through thermal vacuum testing.