Spacecraft Charge Protection of Large Three-Axis-Stabilized Communications Satellites - INTELSAT V Design

This paper summarizes the analysis of charging and discharging effects anticipated in the geosynchronous satellite INTELSAT V and subsequent body-stabilized designs based on INTELSAT V technology; additionally the paper describes protective measures implemented in the designs. The first two launches were December 1980 and May 1981. The absence of any anomalies which could be attributed to electromagnetic interference during this period of major solar flares has given confidence that the protective measures were adequate. This paper is based in part upon work performed under the sponsorship of the International Telecommunications Satellite Organization. Any views expressed herein are not necessarily those of INTELSAT.