Hawaii team validates 100W-class smallsat thermal system

(SpaceEnergy) Hawaii Space Flight Laboratory researchers have validated a mechanically pumped thermal-control system enabling a small-satellite payload to operate continuously at more than 100W average power.

The Active Thermal Architecture (ATA) forms part of the Hyperspectral Thermal Imager 2.0 payload, scheduled to launch in 2027 on NASA’s Active Cooling for Multispectral Earth Sensors mission to a 550km sun-synchronous orbit.

Researchers said the mechanically pumped fluid loop maintains payload temperature within ±5°C while supporting more than 100W average electrical load. Without the active system, the payload would be limited to a duty cycle below 5%; with it, near-continuous operation over continental land targets is expected.

Ground characterisation completed in late 2025 confirmed the instrument met its key performance requirements, including stable operation of its Stirling cryocooler and onboard processing chain.

The team said the architecture demonstrates how higher-power payloads can be integrated into small spacecraft without relying on low-duty-cycle operations.