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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on a study which examined the solar cycle dependence of dose in the low-altitude high-latitude 'horns' of the outer zone electron belt. Satellite orbits and dosimeters; Analysis and discussion.