Implementation and Characterisation Testing of a PCDU for Nanosatellites

Abstract: Satellite power management systems play a crucial role in ensuring the operational success andlongevity of satellite missions. As satellites operate in the harsh environment of space, efficient powermanagement is essential to maximize energy utilization, maintain stability, and extend mission lifespans.Within the framework of the Avionics department, CNES has acquired the Power Conditioning andDistribution Unit (PCDU) GOMSPACE P60, in order to demonstrate the reliability of Commercial Offthe Shelf (COTS) products and viability of a low-cost satellite architecture. In this thesis, the integrationand characterization of the GOMSPACE P60 PCDU is presented. This internship consisted of mainlythree objectives. The development of the software needed to control the equipment, the development ofa graphics unit interface (GUI) for housekeeping data visualisation and the preparation, carrying out andreporting of different performance tests. Some of the main characteristics of the system assessed, includethe high adaptability that it has based on the mission requirements. The equipment appeared to notprovide easy access to the design after delivery, but it functions nominally upon delivery. It is robust inlow or high temperatures as well as in harsh (electromagnetic interference) EMI perturbations. Thiselectrical power system (EPS) allows for high control of its board parameters and observability of thetelemetry data. However, this command control is hard to integrate based on the supplied C libraries andthere were occasional unexpected behaviours from the system. Based on the assessment done duringthis internship, it could replace previously used PCDUs that have lesser performance and higher cost infuture nanosatellites low cost missions such as student or proof of concept missions. However, thelimited information and details provided in the data package by the distributor, makes the equipmentinsufficient for larger missions. Higher level of analysis and qualification is required for this scope,based on the common requirements and standards followed by the agency.