Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 2002
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002agufmsm51b0522l&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2002, abstract #SM51B-0522
Physics
0664 Reflectors And Feeds, 7853 Spacecraft/Atmosphere Interactions, 7855 Spacecraft Sheaths, Wakes, Charging
Scientific paper
Photoemission from surfaces decreases with the reflectivity. We propose that optical mirrors at geosynchronous altitudes will charge in sunlight as if in eclipse. The Boeing 702-model geosynchronous satellite features two long solar panels at each side. Each panel is equipped with two mirrors flanking both sides for sunlight enhancement on the solar cells. The entire 702-model satellite fleet has suffered a similar fate, namely, gradual, permanent, and sometimes stepwise degradation. We propose that sudden development of differential charging between the solar panels and the mirrors at their sides could be the culprit. Differential charging of mirrored solar panels may develop when the satellite is coming out of eclipse. We present a case study of an event : the sudden 25 percent degradation of PanAmSat PAS-7, a Boeing 702-model satellite [Ref] . Indeed, it did occur shortly after eclipse exit in the morning of Sept 6, 2001. Finally, we suggest a simple method for mitigating the problem. Ref. http://sat-nd.com/failures/702arrays.html
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