Thermal Vacuum Testing of Small Satellites

Joseph Ampadu Ofosu is interested in environmental testing of CubeSats and microsatellites, especially thermal vacuum, thermal cycling, and thermal balance tests. Verifying and validating these tests require a thermal model especially when the tested satellite has no space heritage. Hence, Joseph also studies, develops, and implements thermal mathematical models for small satellites.
To contribute to the Lean satellite concept, which is geared towards making the space field affordable and accessible, Joseph is working on developing and implementing cost-effective thermal vacuum test systems using thermoelectric devices such as the Peltier element.

Advanced Space Propulsion Concepts

Joseph has an interest in laser propulsion concepts where laser-induced plasmas are used as the source of energy for propulsion. This necessitates the study of laser-supported detonation (LSD) phenomenon which is different from the conventional chemical Zeldovich, von Neumann, and Doring (ZND) detonation.
LSD is a plasma discharge physics and requires plasma modeling and diagnostics. Joseph undertakes diagnostic studies using optical emission spectroscopy such as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, interferometry, and laser shadowgraphy.

Joseph Ofosu has also worked with microwave-induced plasmas (MIPs) sourced from a 2.45 GHz RF. He was involved in plasma-assisted combustion studies where MIPs are used to enhance the efficiency of both diesel and gasoline engines. He was involved in studies where MIPs are used for detecting radioactive substances and industrial-grade metal powders.