Substorms and Magnetic Storms From the Satellite Charging Perspective
Abstract
Sub storms and magnetic storms generate significant space weather effects in the inner magnetosphere. They change the dose rates experienced by satellites in many orbits and are directly linked to the occurrence of satellite charging. Substorms inject hot plasma into the nightside magnetosphere. The drifting electron component of this hot plasma can charge the surfaces of the satellites, leading to electrostatic discharges and associated satellite anomalies and sometimes failures. These occur in regions that are consistent with the expected motions of the substorm injected particles. The high-energy electron enhancements associated with many magnetic storms can be sufficient to cause charging of satellite elements even behind significant shielding. Not all magnetic storms result in flux enhancements sufficient to cause such internal charging. Because the induced voltages from the internal charging are usually not directly measured, the anomalies they cause are more difficult to link to the space environment and the magnetic storm related space weather. However, the anomaly statistics were sufficient to show linkage in a few cases. Data from different satellites will be used to show the measurement of surface charging from different regions of space and link the charging to electrostatic discharges and anomalies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 28, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA388410
Entities
People
- Harry C. Koons
- J. B. Blake
- James Roeder
- Joseph F. Fennell
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation