Real-Time, Automatic Vehicle-Potential Determination from ESA (Electrostatic Analyzer) Measurements: The Count-Ratio Algorithm

摘要

Data from the P78-2 satellite has been used to develop a technique utilizing electrostatic analyzer (ESA) ion count measurements to provide a real-time determination of satellite vehicle potential. The algorithm, which was developed for real-time implementation by space vehicle microprocessors, is based on a comparison of ion counts in adjacent ESA channels and has proved highly successful in detecting vehicle charging. Keywords: Reprints, Spacecraft charging, High altitudes. (KR)