Charging Potentials for Two Sample Sets of Spectra from DMSP Satellites

Abstract

The importance has been discussed of accurately including the emission of secondary and backscattered electrons in the calculations of flux balances that are used to predict the equilibrium potential of satellites during intense electron precipitation. This concept is applied to a sequence of electron and ion flux spectra observed by DMSP satellites to determine the levels of negative charging, if any, experienced by the satellites. The net electron current incident minus backscattered and secondary electrons is a diagnostic quantity that can be used to determine whether charging has occurred. Using simple models of the satellite and ion collection, along with secondary and backscatter yields for the appropriate covering, one can quickly scan large amounts of data for charging events and estimate the equilibrium potential.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA203694

Entities

People

  • T. G. Barker

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Backscattering
  • Classification
  • Computer Programs
  • Coverings
  • Current Density
  • Data Sets
  • Electrons
  • Energy
  • Energy Bands
  • High Energy
  • Ion Density
  • Meteorological Satellites
  • Security

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Molecular Photonics/Laser Physics

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space