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Faculty of Graduate Studies

Ben Kellman

  • BEng (University of Victoria, 2023)

Notice of the Final Oral Examination for the Degree of Master of Applied Science

Topic

Design of the Electrical Power System for the MARMOTSat Nanosatellite

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Date & location

  • Thursday, August 28, 2025

  • 10:00 A.M.

  • Virtual Defence

Reviewers

Supervisory Committee

  • Dr. Peter Driessen, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Victoria (Co-Supervisor)

  • Dr. Afzal Suleman, Department of Mechanical Engineering, UVic (Co-Supervisor) 

External Examiner

  • Dr. Philip Ferguson, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Manitoba

Chair of Oral Examination

  • Dr. Simon Devereau, Department of History, UVic 

Abstract

This thesis presents the design, implementation, and testing of the Electrical Power System (EPS) for MARMOTSat, a 3U CubeSat developed by the University of Victoria for deployment in a Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) under the Canadian Space Agency’s CUBICS program. MARMOTSat serves as a technology demonstrator and scientific platform, carrying the Modular CubeSat Radio (MCR), an open-source, ITAR-free software-defined radio intended for amateur radio experiments and ionospheric research. The EPS is responsible for generating, regulating, storing, and distributing power to all satellite subsystems. 

A semi-centralized power architecture was developed, utilizing deployable solar arrays, lithium titanate (LTO) batteries, and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) to maximize energy generation. LTO batteries were chosen for their ability to charge at sub-zero temperatures, reducing thermal control complexity. The EPS design also incorporates subsystem level protection against radiation induced single event effects (SEE). 

Extensive simulations and hardware testing validated the system’s performance against power budgets and system requirements. The thesis also details the trade-offs made in power regulation and storage, as well as the design verification methodologies. MAR MOTSat contributes to advancing Canadian expertise in small satellite power systems and provides a flight heritage platform for open-source space technologies, supporting broader academic and amateur radio communities.

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