Large Space Structure Charging during Eclipse Passage.

Abstract

Much work has been developed to the study of the differential charging of geosynchronous spacecraft, primarily that charging caused by injection events and uneven illumination of isolated surfaces. However, as the lack of illumination in the penumbra eliminates the latter problem, little attention has been paid to charging during eclipse passage. For a sufficiently large structure (length greater than 1 km), the gradient of illumination in the penumbra is large enough to contribute significantly to differential charging. In this paper, three main subjects will be discussed: (1) the causes of charging at geosynchronous altitudes; (2) a simple model of the plasma from which the differential charging equations can be derived; and (3) the results of a computer program based on these equations, together with several theoretically fit sets of equations to approximate the results. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 15, 1980
Accession Number
ADA084810

Entities

People

  • David M. Gauntt

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Charged Particles
  • Computer Programs
  • Current Density
  • Electrons
  • Equations
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Geosynchronous Satellites
  • Large Space Structures
  • Orbits
  • Shape
  • Solar Energy
  • Solar Power Satellites
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Charging
  • Voltage

Readers

  • Calculus or Mathematical Analysis
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Theoretical Analysis.

Technology Areas

  • Space