High-Level Spacecraft Charging Environments Near Geosynchronous Orbit.

Abstract

High-level spacecraft charging events in sunlight are discussed and statistically analyzed to determine environmental parameters critical to charging and the region of space near geosynchronous altitude where charging occurs. Significant levels of spacecraft charging are shown to occur only between 1900 LT and 0900 LT at any altitude or latitude of the SCATHA satellite orbit. High-level charging is shown to occur only during periods when the magnetic activity index is 2+ or greater. Distribution functions of energetic electrons and ions are presented for 3 high-level charging periods on days 114, 241 and 363, 1979. Moments of the distribution functions are determined, and fitting techniques used to derive two-Maxwellian densities and temperatures are discussed. Results are provided in a format usable in satellite design specifications.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 11, 1982
Accession Number
ADA118791

Entities

People

  • E. G. Mullen
  • M. S. Gussenhoven

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Computer Programs
  • Correlation Analysis
  • Databases
  • Detectors
  • Distribution Functions
  • Electron Density
  • Electron Flux
  • Electrons
  • High Energy
  • Information Science
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Regression Analysis
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Charging
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Statistics

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Plasma Physics.
  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Satellites