Recommendations Concerning Spacecraft Charging in the Magnetosphere,
Abstract
At synchronous-orbit altitudes in the earth's magnetosphere, dark insulated surfaces of a spacecraft normally change to negative potentials in excess of several volts. During magnetospheric substorms, potentials may exceed many kilovolts. Anomalies in the performance of spacecraft systems have been indirectly linked to charging, allegedly through (1) electromagnetic interference from discharges, (2) surface damage by discharges, or (3) contamination enhancement by electrostatic deposition. This report examines the evidence that charging causes these effects and discusses (1) measures that can be taken to eliminate charging and its unwanted effects ('Electrostatic cleanliness' requirements), (2) instrumentation that can detect the occurrence of charging, and (3) research and instrumentation needed to parameterize the problem in order to develop optimal specifications for preventing anomalies in future systems. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0770591
Entities
People
- David P. Cauffman
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation