Satellite Structural Design

Abstract

The process to develop the structural design of a “Small Sat” is discussed and applied on a practical design case. It shows how to derive Small Sat’s structural requirements from the satellite configuration. Then, it addresses the iterative design procedure used to create the current design. It also discusses the worst load cases to which the satellite is exposed during ground, launch, and space environments. A simplified finite element analysis of the satellite structure is then performed to size the preliminary design of the structure. Finally, the structural module descriptions are presented. In this chapter, the process used to develop the structural design of “Small Sat” is described. It shows how to derive Small Sat’s structural requirements from the satellite configuration. Then, it addresses the iterative design procedure used to create the current design. It also discusses the worst load cases to which the satellite is exposed during ground, launch, and space environments. A simplified finite element analysis of the satellite is then performed to size the preliminary design of the structure. Finally, the structural module descriptions are presented.