A "worst Case" Spacecraft Environment as Observed by SCATHA on 24 April 1979


Book Description

A survey of data from the first year of the P78-2 SCATHA satellite operations showed that a highest level spacecraft frame charging (phi sub f) both in sunlight ( -340 V) and in eclipse (> -8 kV) occurred on 24 April 1979. Analysis of the data indicates that if the sunlight charging environment had been present during eclipse, the vehicle would have charged in excess of 15 kV which is above any known charging level observed to date for the SCATHA satellite. Therefore, the environment at the peak of the sunlight charging at approx. 0650 UT 24 April 1979 was chosen for this worst case study. The environment at this time is characterized by an injection of high energy (30-335 keV) electron fluxes whose combined current correlates with phi sub f with a correlation coefficient of 0.95. The fluxes were highly anisotropic, maximizing perpendicular to the magnetic field. The low energy (




A "worst Case" Spacecraft Environment as Observed by SCATHA on 24 April 1979


Book Description

A survey of data from the first year of the P78-2 SCATHA satellite operations showed that a highest level spacecraft frame charging (phi sub f) both in sunlight ( -340 V) and in eclipse (> -8 kV) occurred on 24 April 1979. Analysis of the data indicates that if the sunlight charging environment had been present during eclipse, the vehicle would have charged in excess of 15 kV which is above any known charging level observed to date for the SCATHA satellite. Therefore, the environment at the peak of the sunlight charging at approx. 0650 UT 24 April 1979 was chosen for this worst case study. The environment at this time is characterized by an injection of high energy (30-335 keV) electron fluxes whose combined current correlates with phi sub f with a correlation coefficient of 0.95. The fluxes were highly anisotropic, maximizing perpendicular to the magnetic field. The low energy (







Guide to Mitigating Spacecraft Charging Effects


Book Description

The definitive guide to the modern body of spacecraft charging knowledge—from first principles for the beginner to intermediate and advanced concepts The only book to blend the theoretical and practical aspects of spacecraft charging, Guide to Mitigating Spacecraft Charging Effects defines the environment that not only creates the aurora, but which also can have significant effects on spacecraft, such as disruption of science measurements and solar arrays from electrostatic discharge (ESD). It describes in detail the physics of the interaction phenomenon as well as how to construct spacecraft to enhance their survivability in the harsh environment of space. Combining the authors' extensive experience in spacecraft charging—and in their provision of design support to NASA, JPL, the commercial satellite market, and numerous other projects—this incredible book offers both a robust physics background and practical advice for neophytes in the field and experienced plasma physicists and spacecraft engineers. In addition to containing numerous equations, graphs, tables, references, and illustrations, Guide to Mitigating Spacecraft Charging Effects covers: Solar cell technology, especially higher voltage arrays, and the new design approaches that are appropriate for them Information about the space plasma environment New analytic computer codes to analyze spacecraft charging Spacecraft anomalies and failures which emphasized designs that are of greater importance than others




Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports


Book Description

Lists citations with abstracts for aerospace related reports obtained from world wide sources and announces documents that have recently been entered into the NASA Scientific and Technical Information Database.




Space Weather Fundamentals


Book Description

Space weather is one of the most significant natural hazards to human life and health. Conditions of the sun and in the solar wind, magnetosphere, ionosphere, and thermosphere can influence the performance and reliability of space-borne and ground-based technological systems. If conditions in the space environment are adverse, they can cause disruption of satellite operations, communications, navigation, and electric power distribution grids, leading to a variety of socioeconomic losses. This book provides an overview of our current knowledge and theoretical understanding of space weather formation and covers all major topics of this phenomena, from the sun to the Earth’s ionosphere and thermosphere, thus providing a fully updated review of this rapidly advancing field. The book brings together an outstanding team of internationally recognised contributors to cover topics such as solar wind, the earth's magnetic field, radiation belts, the aurora, spacecraft charging, orbital drag and GPS.




SCATHA Environmental Atlas


Book Description




87-450-87-0499


Book Description