2021 Abstract from Shivam

Design a Cooling System for the Readout Boards of a Satellite

Student Researcher: Shivam Gaind (St. Charles East High School)

Scientist Mentors: Juan Estrada, Guillermo Moroni

We worked towards creating a functioning satellite that can detect X-rays released by dark matter. Dark matter is an unknown substance that makes up 85% of the mass of the universe. Our satellite has three main circuits (read-out boards) that release ten watts of energy. The read-out boards are responsible for controlling the CCDs that are used to capture the X-rays released by dark matter. Throughout six weeks I was responsible for designing a cooling system that transfers heat generated by the read-out boards to the radiator. I did this by designing casing for the readout boards that incorporates a thermal strap into their design.