Arc Tracking between Space Cables due to Electrostatic Discharge

摘要

Discharge mechanism in a space-used cable is needed to clarify the arc tracking formation process on the cable under different environments, against the background of the accident of ADEOS2. The experiment was performed in the vacuum chamber that simulated LEO environment. Three types of sample cables were prepared under different environments (Cut, Heat and UV). Arc tracking formation process has been studied by repetition of sustained arc (SA) inception. With the repetition of SA inception lowering of the resistance between the cables was observed. Only the arcs tracking which occurred below the resistance of about 10kΩ were studied. As a result, there was no difference observed between the cables prepared under different environments. Arc tracking formation process does not depend on the state of deterioration of cable.