Title :
A compact electrostatic charging monitor for spacecraft
Author :
Ryden, K.A. ; Jolly, H. ; Frydland, A. ; Morris, P.
Author_Institution :
Space Dept., DERA Farnborough, UK
Abstract :
A new instrument for monitoring both surface and internal charging effects on-board a spacecraft is described. The aim of the instrument is to provide a reliable diagnostic tool that can be flown on long-life operational satellites where severe mass, power and accommodation restrictions usually prevent the installation of more complex devices. A brief review of the charging hazard to spacecraft is provided followed by a description of the instrument´s basic design in which electrical analogues of the charging of insulating materials are set up. Ultra-high-value resistors (up to 1014 Ω) are employed in order to simulate the properties of a dielectric. Results from electron beam charging tests are provided which demonstrate the validity of the approach
Keywords :
artificial satellites; charge measurement; condition monitoring; space vehicle electronics; spacecraft charging; surface charging; charging hazard; compact electrostatic charging monitor; electron beam charging tests; internal charging effects; long-life operational satellites; reliable diagnostic tool; spacecraft charging; surface charging effects; Aircraft manufacture; Dielectrics and electrical insulation; Electrostatics; Hazardous materials; Hazards; Instruments; Monitoring; Satellites; Space vehicles; Surface charging;
Conference_Titel :
Radiation and Its Effects on Components and Systems, 1999. RADECS 99. 1999 Fifth European Conference on
Conference_Location :
Fontevraud
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-5726-4
DOI :
10.1109/RADECS.1999.858559
