Derivation and Testing of Computer Algorithms for Automatic Real-Time Determination of Space Vehicle Potentials in Various Plasma Environments

Abstract

A new algorithm for spacecraft charge detection based on a drop in electrostatic analyzer ion count spectra at energy levels higher than the level of vehicle potential has been derived. This so-called Count Drop algorithm was found to be effective in cases where, owing either to rapidly fluctuating potentials or significant secondary ion production, there were substantial ion counts in channels below the level of peak charging. In such cases, the Count Ratio (renamed Count Rise) and Distribution Function algorithms, both based on a sharp increase in counts at the level of charging, were able to detect maximum vehicle potential. A corresponding algorithm based on a sharp decrease in ion distribution function, called the Distribution-function Drop Algorithm has also been tested using SCATHA data. The ion count spectra associated with 11 instances of low earth orbit spacecraft charging in polar latitudes have been examined.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 31, 1988
Accession Number
ADA203019

Entities

People

  • Stanley L. Spiegel

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Algorithms
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Computations
  • Databases
  • Distribution Functions
  • Earth Orbits
  • Energy Levels
  • Environment
  • False Alarms
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Mathematics
  • Meteorological Satellites
  • Orbits
  • Space Objects
  • Spacecraft
  • Spectra
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Applied Combinatorial Optimization and Logic Circuit Design.
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Space Objects