Study of Voltage Breakdown in Spacecraft Systems from Test and Flight Experience

Electrical flight systems designers have been contending with voltage breakdown in aircraft and spacecraft for more than 30 years. Breakdown occurrences have increased in magnitude and quantity as the flight hardware has become more complex. In order to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to corona-voltage breakdown in flight systems, surveys were conducted to identify the major breakdown problem areas. This paper examines more than 70 voltage-breakdown cases that have occurred in scientific spacecraft systems during test in simulated environments and during flight over the period 1961-1969. Analysis of this information relates to the frequency of discharge occurrences, pressure, voltage range, nature of the discharges, direct and induced effects, problem sources, and problem reponsibility areas. Methods are proposed for eliminating or controlling unwanted electrical discharges in spacecraft systems.