Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Dec 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011agufmsa13b1900m&link_type=abstract
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2011, abstract #SA13B-1900
Mathematics
Logic
[7855] Space Plasma Physics / Spacecraft Sheaths, Wakes, Charging, [7934] Space Weather / Impacts On Technological Systems
Scientific paper
Electrostatic potential variations of the International Space Station (ISS) relative to the space plasma environment are dominated by biased surfaces of the 160 volt photovoltaic power system with the low Earth orbit plasma environment in sunlight and inductive potential variations across the ISS structure generated by motion of the large vehicle across the geomagnetic field. We have seen little or no evidence to date of daytime ISS potential variations due to space weather events that generate short term variations in ionospheric plasma density or temperature since the primary result of geomagnetic storms at ISS altitudes is depletion of plasma density which suppresses charging levels due to the photovoltaic array controlled current collection process. Auroral charging is also a source of potential variations because the 51.6 degree orbital inclination of ISS takes the vehicle to sufficiently high magnetic latitudes to encounter precipitating electrons during geomagnetic storms. We present observations of transient ISS floating potential, plasma density, and electron temperature variations obtained from the Floating Potential Measurement Unit (FPMU) suite of plasma instruments on board the ISS which exhibit characteristics consistent with auroral charging. The events occur primarily at night when the solar arrays are unbiased and cannot therefore be due to solar array current collection. ISS potential decreases to more negative values during the events indicating electron current collection and the events are always observed at the highest latitudes along the ISS trajectory. Comparison of the events with integral >30 keV electron flux measurements from NOAA TIROS spacecraft demonstrate they occur within regions of precipitating electron flux at levels consistent with the energetic electron thresholds reported for onset of auroral charging of the DMSP and Freja satellites. Properties of the charging events similar to those reported for DSMP and Freja satellites will be described along with charging event characteristics unique to ISS.
Chandler Michael O.
Minow Joseph I.
Wright K. H.
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