Spacecraft Environment and Effects Monitoring Instrumentation for Small Satellites

摘要

Future satellite systems will be required to survive and function in the space environment for much longer durations (10-15 years) than their present counterparts to achieve greater cost effectiveness. Therefore, the characterization of orbital space environment and its effects on spacecraft systems have received considerable attention in the recent years. Instrumentation is described for long-term measurement of key physical parameters characterizing the low-Earth-orbit environment and its effects on degradation of spacecraft materials and solar arrays. These measurements enable active, real-time monitoring of the spacecraft environment and the health of spacecraft and payload systems. The instrumentation, called Space Active Modular Materials Experiments, is designed to be compact, low power, and lightweight. It is ideally suited for applications to small satellites, especially those designed for long-term, autonomous operation.