Spacecraft Charging at Geosynchronous Orbit - Solution for Eclipse Passage.

Abstract

Rapid variations in spacecraft potential are observed on entry and exit from the earth's shadow. Generalized equations, based on elementary plasma probe theory, are developed which make quantitative estimates of these potentials as a function of satellite position in the earth's penumbra, and are compared with data from the ATS-5 and ATS-6 geosynchronous satellites. The agreement between the observations and the predictions results from the approximate constancy of the ratio of the ambient ion to electron current during injection events. Due to the significant size and shape differences of the ATS-5 and ATS-6 satellites, the results are applicable in many space physics situations such as estimating the effects of electron beams on satellite potential and of spacecraft charging on very large space structures. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 15, 1978
Accession Number
ADA058983

Entities

People

  • Allen G. Rubin
  • Henry Berry Garrett

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Electric Fields
  • Electron Beams
  • Electron Density
  • Electron Emission
  • Electrons
  • Emission
  • Equations
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Ions
  • Large Space Structures
  • Photoelectrons
  • Photoexcitation
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Charging
  • Voltage

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Plasma Physics.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris