MSTU named after N.E. Bauman: Fuel tank of increased capacity for nanosatellites

2023: Creation of a higher capacity fuel tank for cubsats

Scientists of the Department of SM2 "Aerospace Systems" on January 20, 2023, Moscow State Technical University named after N.E. Bauman presented at the Korolev readings a project for a high-capacity fuel tank for cubsats.

CubeSat form factor nanosatellites are actively used to solve many target tasks in low Earth orbits. Large groups of such devices are especially effective, however, phasing nanosatellites requires the installation of ultra-small propulsion systems on them. For their work on board the spacecraft, the working fluid must be stored in a certain tank. Moreover, it should fit into the CubeSat format, as well as store as much fuel as possible, for a reserve of greater characteristic speed.

Illustration: atomic-energy.ru

Thin-walled structures in the form of a sphere, cylinder or torus are usually used, however, in the case of a cubsat, it is necessary to fit these shapes so that the tank fits into the internal dimensions of the spacecraft, which are very limited. A nanosatellite of this type has a square section, so tanks made in the form of a body of rotation do not occupy the entire inner volume provided. It was for this reason that the shape of the cube was chosen, which is capable of storing more fuel.

The shape requires additional internal reinforcements, which is why the structure is somewhat overweight with respect to the thin-walled spherical tank. However, despite the increase in mass, the reserve of characteristic speed (the speed of the spacecraft, which is necessary for an orbital maneuver) turned out to be greater than the possible variants of thin-walled tanks inscribed in the internal volume of the spacecraft.

Scientists analyzed possible reinforcing elements of the tank structure and added internal ribs, the effect of the position and shape of which on the strength and stiffness of the tank was also assessed. Separately, the Baumans made a numerical calculation of the topological optimization of the cubic tank for the maximum reduction of its mass with a given margin of safety. Thus, during the numerical calculation, the material inside the cube was removed, as a result of which the internal volume of the tank increased while maintaining the specified strength In the end, a design was obtained that had 10-30% more stock of working fluid compared to the existing analogues.

Similar developments can be implemented both in the series of kubsats "Yarilo" MSTU named after N.E. Bauman, as well as in other commercial projects. In early January 2023, the deputy chairman Governments Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov examined the small spacecraft of the Yarilo and Horse series, as well as the components of the service systems of these vehicles developed by the Baumans.

The tasks of small spacecraft include the study of the Sun and solar-Earth relations, monitoring and assessment of greenhouse gas emissions, monitoring galactic space radiation, as well as obtaining scientific data on space weather for research organizations: FIAN RAS, NIIAF MSU, IPG Roshydromet.