Title :
An autonomous charge control system at geosynchronous altitude: flight results for spacecraft design consideration
Author :
Mullen, E.G. ; Frederickson, A.R. ; Murphy, G.P. ; Ray, K.P. ; Holeman, E.G. ; Delorey, D.E. ; Robson, R. ; Farar, M.
Author_Institution :
PL/GPSP, Hansom AFB, MA, USA
fDate :
12/1/1997 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
Geosynchronous spacecraft have a history of charging anomalies. Conventional, passive protection measures are often complex and costly. Results from an alternative approach: an autonomous Charge Control System (CCS) as flown on DSCS are presented. These results show that a system can be constructed to prevent charging hazards by maintaining charge build-up below established safe operating limits with a plasma system which can be activated in less than 1 minute
Keywords :
plasma applications; protection; space vehicle electronics; space vehicles; spacecraft charging; surface charging; DSCS; autonomous charge control system; charging anomalies; charging hazards prevention; flight results; geosynchronous altitude; geosynchronous spacecraft; plasma system; protection measure; safe operating limits; spacecraft design consideration; Aircraft manufacture; Carbon capture and storage; Control systems; Electrons; Protection; Satellites; Space charge; Space technology; Space vehicles; Surface charging;
Journal_Title :
Nuclear Science, IEEE Transactions on
