Thermal Environment for Polar Communications and Weather System in the Telesat-Tundra Orbit

The proposed Telesat-PCW will use a unique orbit, based on the Tundra orbit to provide continuous meteorological and communications coverage to the Arctic region. The Telesat Tundra Orbit (TTO) was selected as it can meet the mission requirements using systems designed for Geostationary Orbits (GEO), a mature and robust field. However, the unique combination of communications and meteorological payloads, coupled with a previously unused orbit, presents an unexamined thermal design scenario. Using an existing geostationary satellite design for PCW would significantly reduce costs. This thesis describes the spacecraft thermal environment of the TTO, compares it to the thermal environment of the geostationary orbit, and numerically analyzes the suitability of a typical geostationary satellite thermal design system for PCW by using a Thermal Mathematical Model (TMM). The analysis shows that a thermal control system for a typical GEO communications satellite can sufficiently regulate PCW spacecraft temperatures in the TTO.