Fundamentals of Spacecraft Charging

Fundamentals of Spacecraft Charging
Author: Shu T. Lai
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Total Pages: 270
Release: 2012
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0691129479

As commercial and military spacecraft become more important to the world's economy and defense, and as new scientific and exploratory missions are launched into space, the need for a single comprehensive resource on spacecraft charging becomes increasingly critical. Fundamentals of Spacecraft Charging is the first and only textbook to bring together all the necessary concepts and equations for a complete understanding of the subject. Written by one of the field's leading authorities, this essential reference enables readers to fully grasp the newest ideas and underlying physical mechanisms related to the electrostatic charging of spacecraft in the space environment. Assuming that readers may have little or no background in this area, this complete textbook covers all aspects of the field. The coverage is detailed and thorough, and topics range from secondary and backscattered electrons, spacecraft charging in Maxwellian plasmas, effective mitigation techniques, and potential wells and barriers to operational anomalies, meteors, and neutral gas release. Significant equations are derived from first principles, and abundant examples, exercises, figures, illustrations, and tables are furnished to facilitate comprehension. Fundamentals of Spacecraft Charging is the definitive reference on the physics of spacecraft charging and is suitable for advanced undergraduates, graduate-level students, and professional space researchers.

Proceedings of the Spacecraft Charging Technology Conference

Proceedings of the Spacecraft Charging Technology Conference
Author: C. P. Pike
Publisher:
Total Pages: 918
Release: 1977
Genre: Plasma (Ionized gases)
ISBN:

A Spacecraft Charging Technology Conference, sponsored by the USAF and NASA, was held in October 1976. The Proceedings contain over 50 papers dealing with subjects including: (1) the geosynchronous plasma environment, (2) spacecraft modeling, (3) spacecraft materials characterization, (4) spacecraft materials development, (5) satellite design and test. In addition, an executive summary and the transcript of a panel discussion are included. (Author).

Charging of Spinning Spacecraft

Charging of Spinning Spacecraft
Author: Allen G. Rubin
Publisher:
Total Pages: 24
Release: 1979
Genre: Geostationary satellites
ISBN:

It has become possible to calculate the effects of spin rate on charging only since the advent of the NASCAP three-dimensional computer simulation code. These spin effects are surveyed here for the first time. There is not only a dramatic difference in potential distribution between a three-axis stabilized and a spinning satellite, but also the case of slow spin at 1 rpm is shown to constitute a distinct intermediate case, asymptotic to the rapid spin case but with appreciable voltage modulation around the spin equator. (Author).

Measurement Techniques in Space Plasmas

Measurement Techniques in Space Plasmas
Author: Robert F. Pfaff
Publisher: American Geophysical Union
Total Pages: 350
Release: 1998-02-04
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0875900852

Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 102. Space plasma measurements are conducted in a hostile, remote environment. The art and science of measurements gathered in space depend therefore on unique instrument designs and fabrication methods to an extent perhaps unprecedented in experimental physics. In-situ measurement of space plasmas constitutes an expensive, unforgiving, and highly visible form of scientific endeavor.

Guide to Mitigating Spacecraft Charging Effects

Guide to Mitigating Spacecraft Charging Effects
Author: Henry B. Garrett
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Total Pages: 202
Release: 2012-04-20
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1118241339

The definitive guide to the modern body of spacecraft charging knowledge—from first principles for the beginner to intermediate and advanced concepts The only book to blend the theoretical and practical aspects of spacecraft charging, Guide to Mitigating Spacecraft Charging Effects defines the environment that not only creates the aurora, but which also can have significant effects on spacecraft, such as disruption of science measurements and solar arrays from electrostatic discharge (ESD). It describes in detail the physics of the interaction phenomenon as well as how to construct spacecraft to enhance their survivability in the harsh environment of space. Combining the authors' extensive experience in spacecraft charging—and in their provision of design support to NASA, JPL, the commercial satellite market, and numerous other projects—this incredible book offers both a robust physics background and practical advice for neophytes in the field and experienced plasma physicists and spacecraft engineers. In addition to containing numerous equations, graphs, tables, references, and illustrations, Guide to Mitigating Spacecraft Charging Effects covers: Solar cell technology, especially higher voltage arrays, and the new design approaches that are appropriate for them Information about the space plasma environment New analytic computer codes to analyze spacecraft charging Spacecraft anomalies and failures which emphasized designs that are of greater importance than others

Modeling Magnetospheric Plasma

Modeling Magnetospheric Plasma
Author: T. E. Moore
Publisher: American Geophysical Union
Total Pages: 322
Release: 1988
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0875900704

Published by the American Geophysical Union as part of the Geophysical Monograph Series, Volume 44. Existing models of the plasma distribution and dynamics in magnetosphere / ionosphere systems form a patchwork quilt of different techniques and boundaries chosen to define tractable problems. With increasing sophistication in both observational and modeling techniques has come the desire to overcome these limitations and strive for a more unified description of these systems. On the observational side, we have recently acquired routine access to diagnostic information on the lowest energy bulk plasma, completing our view of the plasma and making possible comparisons with magnetohydrodynamic calculations of plasma moments. On the theoretical side, rising computational capabilities and shrewdly designed computational techniques have permitted the first attacks on the global structure of the magnetosphere. Similar advances in the modeling of neutral atmospheric circulation suggest an emergent capability to globally treat the coupling between plasma and neutral gases. Simultaneously, computer simulation has proven to be a very useful tool for understanding magnetospheric behaviors on smaller space and time scales.

The Current Status of Predictions of Low Energy Plasma Interactions with Space Systems

The Current Status of Predictions of Low Energy Plasma Interactions with Space Systems
Author: Henry B. Garrett
Publisher:
Total Pages: 44
Release: 1979
Genre: Geomagnetism
ISBN:

The present status of low energy magnetospheric plasma interactions with space systems is reviewed. The role of predictions in meeting user needs in assessing the impact of such interactions is described. In light of the perceived needs of the user community and of the current status of modeling and prediction efforts, it is suggested that for most user needs more detailed statistical models of the low energy environment are required. In order to meet current prediction requirements, real-time in situ measurements are proposed as a near-term solution. (Author).

Rapid Variations in Spacecraft Potential

Rapid Variations in Spacecraft Potential
Author: Henry Berry Garrett
Publisher:
Total Pages: 44
Release: 1977
Genre: Magnetic storms
ISBN:

The increasing complexity and sophistication of synchronous orbit satellites has resulted in a corresponding increase in their susceptibility to anomalous behavior and disruption. Many of these problems can be attributed to the buildup of large potentials on various surfaces of the satellites in response to the ambient space plasma. Such large potentials (as great as -20,000 V relative to the ambient plasma) can produce anomalies and disruptions by causing arcing between the surfaces. In this report, the question of the time rate of change of satellite potential is studied. Theory and observations are reviewed to give estimates of the time rate of change in potentials encountered at synchronous orbit. A clear need for future study is indicated. Plans for instrumentation being developed at AFGL to study the area are discussed. (Author).