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Projecte llegit

Títol: Certification of Electronic Components for Space Applications: Analysis of Environmental Factors and Validation Processes

Estudiants que han llegit aquest projecte:

Director/a: PARK, HYUK

Departament: FIS

Títol: Certification of Electronic Components for Space Applications: Analysis of Environmental Factors and Validation Processes

Data inici oferta: 03-02-2025     Data finalització oferta: 03-10-2025


Estudis d'assignació del projecte:
    DG ENG AERO/SIS TEL
Tipus: Individual
 
Lloc de realització: EETAC
 
Paraules clau:
Satellite, Electric/Electronic Components, Space Environment, VLEO communication
 
Descripció del contingut i pla d'activitats:
- Identify and analyze the key environmental factors that differentiate space conditions at various orbital altitudes from those on Earth, such as radiation, temperature variations, and mechanical vibrations, among others.
- Study the certification process of electronic components for space applications, comparing in-house validation with certification through specialized companies.
- Evaluate the feasibility of certifying components within the company and determine in which cases external certifiers are required.
- Establish a structured methodology to assess the suitability of components in different orbital environments, with a particular focus on LEO.

**Methodology:**

1. **Theoretical Analysis and Literature Review:**
- Study the environmental conditions in different orbits (LEO, MEO, GEO) and their impact on electronic components.
- Assess the operational and commercial importance of each altitude, considering factors such as radiation exposure, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical stress.
- Review certification standards, facilities, and processes (ESA, NASA, MIL-STD, ECSS, etc.).
2. **Experimental Phase:**
- Selection of key nanosatellite components that are most sensitive to space environmental conditions.
- Conduct in-house testing where possible, prioritizing conditions representative of the most commonly used environments in the industry.
- Collaborate with external laboratories to conduct additional tests when necessary, performing upscreening in cases where in-house testing is not feasible.
3. **Comparison and Analysis:**
- Compare in-house certification with external certification in terms of costs, benefits, and feasibility for a startup in the sector.
- Analyze test results and create a database of certified components, their operational ranges, and limitations.

**Expected Results:**

- A detailed report on the environmental factors affecting electronic components in space and the required certification processes.
- A comparative analysis of in-house vs. external certification, highlighting the cost-benefit ratio for aerospace startups.
- A structured database of analyzed components, their certification status, and the orbital environments in which they can operate.
- Practical recommendations to optimize the certification process for future satellite missions, aligned with current industry trends.
 
Overview (resum en anglès):
This thesis addresses the challenge of certifying electronic components for space applications, within a context where access to orbit has become increasingly democratized thanks to the rise of small satellites and the widespread use of commercial components. The main objective is to analyse the environmental factors that affect electronic systems in space, define the associated validation requirements, and propose a practical methodological framework that allows universities, startups, and SMEs to ensure reliability without relying solely on costly industrial certification processes.

The methodology begins with a comprehensive study of the space environment, covering radiation, microgravity, vacuum, atomic oxygen, thermal extremes, electromagnetic interference, and the impact risks posed by micrometeoroids and debris. Building on this foundation, the thesis reviews international standards and certification protocols, focusing on environmental, electrical, functional, and reliability testing. A comparative analysis is performed between tests that can be conducted with limited infrastructure and those requiring specialized facilities, in order to establish a feasible roadmap for resource-constrained projects.

The framework is then applied to a set of ten representative CubeSat components, evaluating for each case the essential tests, the dispensable ones, and the mitigation strategies available. The results are consolidated into a database summarizing the qualification level achieved and the limitations identified. Findings demonstrate that, through careful test selection, the adoption of adequate materials and mitigation strategies, and the support of European certification initiatives, commercial components can be successfully adapted for use in demanding orbital environments.

In conclusion, this work provides a reference model that bridges the gap between commercial electronics and aerospace applications, offering a balanced approach that optimizes resources while maintaining acceptable levels of reliability. Strategic recommendations are presented to strengthen the competitiveness of nanosatellite projects in Europe, and future research directions are outlined regarding the certification and qualification of electronic components.

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