HEO Satellite Surface and Frame Charging and SCATHA Low-Level Frame Charging
Abstract
In this report, we show the results of spacecraft frame and differential potentials that have been measured over several years on a highly elliptical orbit, HEO2, satellite. The measurements are of charging levels <or= -30 V, and are summarized according to their occurrence in MLT and L. The data show that the HEO2 satellite frame charged to potentials <or= -30 V, and that the occurrence of satellite frame charging at these high latitudes mimics the charging local time patterns observed by geosynchronous satellites. In addition, the data show that such charging extends from at least a minimum L <or= 4 Re to L > 10 Re. About 930 extended frame-charging intervals were observed during the late 1995 through mid-2002 interval. For each charging interval that occurred, the maximum frame voltage and the minimum and maximum L values during charging were obtained. Signatures of differential charging were also observed and are given as a function of L, local time, and charging levels. It was found that the differential charging potential usually exceeded the frame potential and could be estimated by V(sub D) ~74 + 1.384 V(sub F).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 15, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA477996
Entities
People
- James L. Roeder
- Joseph F. Fennell
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation