Phase-Change Material Thermal Management for Extreme Space Environments

Bennett, Nick S., Raffa, Laryssa Sueza, Arqam, Mohammad, Ould, Solomon and Clemon, Lee (2025) Phase-Change Material Thermal Management for Extreme Space Environments. In: IAF Materials and Structures Symposium - Held at the 76th International Astronautical Congress, IAC 2025. Proceedings of the International Astronautical Congress, IAC . International Astronautical Federation, IAF, AUS, pp. 360-367. ISBN 9798331329365

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Abstract

Thermal management is essential for the extreme environments of space - vital in order to conduct successful missions, make new discoveries, and push the boundaries of space exploration. Without adequate temperature control systems, astronauts and equipment can be exposed to extreme temperatures that could cause equipment failure, decreased performance, and even risk human life. Thermal control systems come in a range of varieties but include those based on phase-change materials (PCMs), which are passive, reliable and effective, if properly designed. PCMs are particularly attractive due to their unique ability to protect against both hot and cold temperature extremes by absorbing, storing, and releasing thermal energy during temperature cycling, thus maintaining a stable thermal environment. In space, it is essential that the PCM is housed within a suitably robust container - preferably one that allows rapid heat transfer from the heat source to the PCM. Here, we report on key learnings from our team's additive-manufactured (AM) PCM-heat sink, namely the “Matilda” payload, launched to low-Earth orbit on Waratah Seed-1. Specifically, we report on the necessary compromises encountered between the heat transfer benefits resulting from complex thermal conductivity-enhancing structures enabled by AM, and the additional manufacturing challenges resulting from AM.

Item Type:	Book Section
Additional Information:	Publisher Copyright: Copyright © 2025 by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF). All rights reserved.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	additive manufacturing,cubesat,phase-change material,thermal management,aerospace engineering,astronomy and astrophysics,space and planetary science ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2200/2202
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Science > School of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Science > Research Groups > Fluids & Structures
Related URLs:	https://www.scopus.com/pages/publication...
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	03 Sep 2026 14:42
Last Modified:	03 Sep 2026 14:42
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/104418
DOI:	10.52202/083088-0039

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