Satellite anomalies and electrostatic surface discharges.
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Authors
Wong, Yan Chun.
Subjects
Spacecraft Charging
Surface Charging Spacecraft Anomalies
Active Charge Control
Surface Charging Spacecraft Anomalies
Active Charge Control
Advisors
Olsen, Richard C.
Date of Issue
1991-09
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
Various aspects of the space environment can cause on-orbit satellite
anomalies. Studies have shown that adverse interactions between the natural space
environment and space systems can have deleterious consequences comparable to
those caused by human or design errors. Electrostatic surface discharge (ESD),
electron caused electromagnetic pulse (ECEMP), and single event upset (SEU) are
the three most common anomaly producing mechanisms in space systems. The
plasma environment, such as in geosynchronous orbit, can cause differential charging
of satellite components and lead to ESD's on satellite surfaces. By using the Spacecraft Anomaly Manager (SAM) software package,
spacecraft anomaly data of operational satellites contained in the database of
National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) were analyzed. The analysis concluded
that ESD is directly related to geomagnetic storm activity and ESD related anomalies
are local time and seasonal dependent. Proper engineering solutions should be
integrated into satellite designs to prevent ESD from causing anomalies. This can
be done effectively on multi-satellite programs such as GPS. Active charge control
is recommended for DoD satellites which cannot tolerate functional anomalies due
to ESD's, and on the first flight of new satellite designs. Passive engineering
solutions should be integrated into satellite designs.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Systems Technology
Space Systems Operations
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
75 p.;28 cm.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.