Survey of DSCS-III B-7 Differential Surface Charging
Abstract
An analysis of differential charging between dielectric surface materials and the frame of a DSCS-III geosynchronous spacecraft is presented. Charging levels measured by surface potential monitors (SPMs) covered with samples of Kapton and Astroquartz have been recorded for one half of a solar cycle. Both seasonal and solar cycle effects are seen in the daily peak levels of the SPM voltages, with local maxima occurring near the equinoxes and a general trend increasing as solar max is approached. Charge neutralization by an onboard Xe plasma contractor was demonstrated to be effective throughout the mission, with a mean voltage reduction of 86% for Astroquartz and 74% for Kapton. Though a statistical analysis shows a general correlation between the fluence of charging electrons with SPM voltages, the event-specific correlation contains enough variance to cast doubt on the usefulness of an electron sensor as a differential charging alarm. We have found that a Kapton-covered SPM may be better suited than an electron sensor as a differential charging alarm.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 19, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA429735
Entities
People
- C L Enloe
- D. L. Cooke
- Gabriel I. Font
- Linda H. Krause
- M. G. Mcharg
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory