Solar Cycle Effects on Trapped Energetic Particles
Abstract
The energetic particle populations in the earth's magnetosphere, which are the result of geomagnetic activity and, ultimately, are due to solar activity, have a major impact on the operation and survival of spacecraft. Departures from the nominal in solar activity produce requirements for changes from the nominal in the design and operation of spacecraft. If the approaching solar maximum is a robust one, as is indicated by preliminary solar data, the approaching solar maximum is a robust one, as is indicated by preliminary solar data, the energetic particle population can be expected to be in excess of that predicted by particle models such as AE8 and AP8, since those models include solar cycle effects based on nominal solar activity. In the event of a robust solar cycle, accelerated degradation of electronics and power systems, increased sensor background effects, and more frequent operational anomalies may be expected on spacecraft which were designed for a nominal energetic particle population that could be expected based on a robust solar Cycle 22. (jhd)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 15, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA215028
Entities
People
- Alfred L. Vampola
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation