Thermal Design and Pre Flight Thermal Test Program of Micro Satellite BIRD

Micro Satellites are one of promising instruments for near earth space research programs. The strong restrictions to mass and power budget of satellite subsystems and payload lead to choice of mainly passive Thermal Control Systems (TCS), often with heat pipe (HP) integration. New tendencies in micro satellite thermal requirements as multi temperature level payload instruments, thermal stability of mounting structures for precision optical devices cause the corresponding adequate modifications in thermal concept and in hardware realisation. Intended aim of this paper is to present the experience collected by authors during thermal design and preflight thermal tests of Micro Satellite BIRD, developed under the German small satellite program.