Maya Heat Transfer Technologies Ltd

Published purpose

During the development of a spacecraft, a computer thermal model is developed to predict temperatures and ensure that the spacecraft components will operate within an acceptable temperature range during all phases of the mission. This model is used both during design and after launch to ensure spacecraft safety during possible operational scenarios. A key component to these thermal models is the determination of environmental heat loads on the spacecraft. The environmental heat loads considered are typically direct and albedo solar radiation as well as infrared radiation from planets and moons. The main objective of this project is to develop advanced numerical methods using cutting edge GPU technologies for the very fast, accurate determination of these environmental loads. The subsequent benefits to the Canadian population is that deployment of these methods will allow companies participating in space programs to design their spacecraft more reliably with a shorter product lifecycle.