Dielectric charging as a catalyst to the formation of potential barriers on synchronous orbit satellites

Abstract

This thesis postulates deep dielectric charging of exterior spacecraft dielectrics as a mechanism responsible for the sunlit charging even observed on the ISEE1 spacecraft. Deep dielectric charging can cause a negative potential to develop on the insulating surfaces of the spacecraft, resulting in the information of a potential barrier capable of suppressing photo and secondary emission. These events can lead to overall negative charging of the spacecraft. Calculations were made using in situ measurements from onboard the ISEE1 and the SCATHA spacecraft. The results indicate, within the range of the data used, that this mechanism is a viable explanation for the ISEE1 charging event. This mechanism can be generalized to most synchronous orbit spacecraft.