1. Survey of DSCS-III B-7 differential surface charging
- Author
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Krause, Linda Habash, Cooke, David L., Enloe, C. Lon, Font, Gabriel I., McHarg, M. Geoff, Putz, Victor, Ray, Kevin P., and Toth, Michael J., Jr.
- Subjects
Space environment -- Research ,Nuclear physics -- Research ,Space vehicles -- Research ,Space ships -- Research ,Business ,Electronics ,Electronics and electrical industries - Abstract
An analysis of differential charging between dielectric surface materials and the frame of a DSCS-III geosynchronous spacecraft is presented. Charging levels measured by surface potential monitors (SPMs) covered with samples of Kapton and Astroquartz have been recorded for one half of a solar cycle. Both seasonal and solar cycle effects are seen in the daily peak levels of the SPM voltages, with local maxima occurring near the equinoxes and a general trend increasing as solar max is approached. Charge neutralization by an onboard Xe plasma contactor was demonstrated to be effective throughout the mission, with a mean voltage reduction of 86% for Astroquartz and 74% for Kapton. Though a statistical analysis shows a general correlation between the fluence of charging electrons with SPM voltages, the event-specific correlation contains enough variance to cast doubt on the usefulness of an electron sensor as a differential charging alarm. We have found that a Kapton-covered SPM may be better suited than an electron sensor as a differential charging alarm. Index Terms--Geosynchronous orbit, satellite charging, space environmental effects, space weather.
- Published
- 2004