High-Latitude Spacecraft Charging in Low-Earth Polar Orbit

Abstract

Spacecraft charging within the upper ionosphere is commonly thought to be insignificant and thus has received little attention. Recent experimental evidence has shown that electric potential differences as severe as-680 volts can develop between Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) polar-orbiting (840 kilometers) spacecraft and their high-latitude environment. To explore space vehicle charging in this region more fully, an analysis was performed using DMSP F6, F7, F8, and F9 satellite precipitating particle and ambient plasma measurements taken during the winters of 1986-87 (solar minimum) and 1989-90 (solar maximum). An extreme solar cycle dependence was discovered as charging occurred more frequently and with greater severity during the period of solar minimum. One hundred seventy charging events ranging from -46 to 1,430 volts were identified, and satellite measurements and Time Dependent Ionospheric Model (TDIM) output were used to characterize the environments which generated and inhibited these potentials. All current sources were considered to determine the cause of the solar cycle dependence.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA249868

Entities

People

  • Thomas B. Frooninckx

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerospace Environments
  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Databases
  • Detectors
  • Earth Orbits
  • Electric Fields
  • Energy Bands
  • High Latitudes
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Meteorological Satellites
  • Satellite Orbits
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Charging
  • Spacecraft Orbits
  • Voltage

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Space