A TUTORIAL ON SPACECRAFT CHARGING

Since the earliest days of the space program it was realized that space vehicles would build up electrical charges on their surfaces due to the ambient plasma environment. In the early 1970’s spacecraft charging became to... [ view full abstract ]

Since the earliest days of the space program it was realized that space vehicles would build up electrical charges on their surfaces due to the ambient plasma environment. In the early 1970’s spacecraft charging became to be recognized as a major source of spacecraft anomalies.  The SCATHA P78-2 spacecraft largely demonstrated the validity of those concerns for the hot plasmas at geosynchronous orbit for surface charging.  It also provided the first evidence of the so-called dielectric charging or internal electrostatic discharge (IESD) phenomenon.  Similarly charging effects in the dense ionosphere and auroral zones of the Earth were identified.  In response, NASA and other international bodies have responded with design guidelines and standards to limit the effects of charging.  Following those guidelines has significantly reduced the worst of the effects on spacecraft and protecting a spacecraft from charging has become a standard procedure for spacecraft designers.  This tutorial will briefly review the history of spacecraft charging in all its forms, provide descriptions of the basic physical phenomena, and discuss the current methodologies for limiting its adverse effects.  The tutorial will conclude with a review of references to the current guidelines and standards appropratie to this family of spacecraft interactions