LEO Orbit Surface Charging and Its Relationship to Environment, Vehicle Geometry, and Ionospheric Conditions; Technical rept

摘要

Ungrounded surface materials on the exterior of low-to-medium altitude and medium-to-high inclination satellites can become charged in the auroral electron environment at high latitudes. The orientation of such surfaces will present different aspects relative to the satellite sun line and the satellite velocity vector. Such surfaces can be both in shadow and in the satellite wake at the same time, which enhances the chances of charging in the dusk to pre-noon sector of the auroral oval, depending on plasma density and lighting conditions at file satellite altitude and inclination. It is recommended that all surfaces be conductors if surface charging and associated electrostatic discharge (ESD) are to be avoided. Otherwise, the satellite system should be designed to tolerate the surface ESD that will occur.