Potential Modulations on SCATHA (Spacecraft Charging at High Altitude) Spacecraft

摘要

A small (1 volt) modulation of the spacecraft potential is observed on the SCATHA satellite through its effects on four instruments, two particle detectors and two field detectors. We show that there is a strong causal link between the modulation of the potential at this 1 volt level and a nonuniform distribution of the photoemissive properties of the conducting material on the surface of the satellite.