Physics – Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
Sep 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006jgra..11109201l&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 111, Issue A9, CiteID A09201
Physics
Plasma Physics
4
Space Plasma Physics: Spacecraft Sheaths, Wakes, Charging, Space Plasma Physics: Spacecraft/Atmosphere Interactions, Space Plasma Physics: General Or Miscellaneous, Magnetospheric Physics: General Or Miscellaneous
Scientific paper
We present the results of a statistical study on high-level (above -200V in magnitude) negative-voltage spacecraft charging in eclipse at geosynchronous altitudes. Theoretically, there exists a critical temperature T* for a surface material. Below T*, no spacecraft charging occurs. Since T* depends on the surface material, which differs from satellite to satellite, each is expected to have its own critical temperature. The theoretical results are compared with the coordinated space-environmental parameter data obtained by the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) geosynchronous satellites. The LANL data include spacecraft charging events measured on several geosynchronous satellites, in eclipse and in sunlight, over several years. We have found a nearly linear trend, or better described by a quadratic one, between the spacecraft potential and the ambient electron temperature for potentials below in magnitude of about -5 kV. Extrapolation of the linear trend to zero volts shows an intercept at a finite temperature which agrees reasonably well with the critical temperature predicted by theory. The existence of a critical electron temperature is useful for informing decision and operational support of geosynchronous spacecraft with enhanced knowledge.
Lai Shu T.
Tautz Maurice
No associations
LandOfFree
High-level spacecraft charging in eclipse at geosynchronous altitudes: A statistical study does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with High-level spacecraft charging in eclipse at geosynchronous altitudes: A statistical study, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and High-level spacecraft charging in eclipse at geosynchronous altitudes: A statistical study will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-779174