COATING FOR PREVENTION OF ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE WITHIN AN EQUIPMENT IN A SPATIAL ENVIRONMENT

摘要

A solar panel (3) having a front face (31) for receiving solar radiation and a rear face (32), for use in a spacecraft (1). The solar panel is covered on the rear face (32) with a coating (4) having negative electric charge emissive property such that in use the coating expels electrons out of the rear face (32) of the solar panel (3), thus reducing the potential difference between the front face (31) and the rear face (32). A method of reducing potential difference between the front face (31) and the rear face (32) of the solar panel (3) by covering the rear face by said coating (4).