Investigation of Deep Dielectric Charging and Subsequent Currents onGeosynchronous Spacecraft

摘要

Deep dielectric charging is the suspected mechanism for formation of potentialbarriers aboard the ISEE 1 spacecraft. Energetic electron distribution functions in the plasma sheet were examined for both surface and deep dielectric charging. Surface charging was found to be dependent on whether the satellite surfaces were in shadow. The surface potential is regulated by photoelectric emission, and is two orders of magnitude higher than other mechanisms. Deep dielectric charging deposits charge within dielectrics, and is independent of surface effects, such as photoemission and radiation-induced conductivity. Deposition of electrons into solar array cover cells begins at approximately 10 keV.