5. Power System
5.2 Subsystem Responsibilities
The electrical power system is responsible for:
- Generating power to power the spacecraft for the entire mission.
- Storing energy to power the spacecraft for the entire mission.
- Managing the power distribution to spacecraft subsystems.
- Converting the voltage and limiting the current distributed to spacecraft components.
During the design process, the electrical power system (EPS) specialist:
- Is the owner and primary developer of the spacecraft’s electrical design, which includes schematic diagrams, printed circuit board designs, component placement on electronic boards, and an electric harness plan.
Artemis Kit Specific
The Artemis CubeSat Kit is supported by Eagle and KiCAD.
- Selects the power generation and/or storage technology then designs the power conversion, distribution, and management system.
- Must ensure sufficient energy is generated and stored throughout the mission lifetime.
- Analyzes that the electrical power system can supply spacecraft bus components with the proper power, voltage, and current for all mission operations by managing the power budget and profile.
- Is responsible for adhering to the power requirements throughout the entire spacecraft lifecycle through analysis and testing.
- Verifies electrical power system performance in analysis and testing.
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center engineers testing electrical components, multimeter, and oscilloscope seen on a test bench. Image courtesy of NASA.
