Observations of Spacecraft Charging Effects in Energetic Plasma Regions

摘要: Recently DeForest (1972) presented direct evidence that in the local morning quadrant at synchronous altitude, electrons of energies ~ 1–10 keV injected by motion plasma sheet during substorm-associated events can charge surface ATS-5 to large negative potentials (up −9 kV under eclipse conditions). The highest values occur when neither cold plasmapause nor cool photoelectrons are present neutralize influx hot electrons, and also reported differential charging produced E-fields several hundred volts/meter. In this paper we additional evidence, derived from engineering data on anomalies observed operation subsystems aboard non-NASA orbiters. Flight laboratory simulations indicate portions a spacecraft not only many (negative) substorm-correlated events, but suffer discharges (arcs or coronas). amplitude electromagnetic pulses with high frequency Fourier spectra irradiate cabling, cause ob­served anomalous changes state electronics subsystems. one spacecraft, solar cell sub­strate aluminized mylar super-insulating blanket material have been identified as probable sources arc corona discharging. Samples these materials were subjected tests an effort simulate conditions substorm/eclipse phenomena, found electrical breakdown voltage gradient well within range space­craft potential gradients DeForest. One subsystem was tested anomaly orbit presence arcing such occurs either substrate superinsulation material. correlations number substorm activity magnetosphere investigation discharge phenomena associated will be detail. These effects accompanying problems need restricted orbits, expected other regions containing energetic electron plasmas sufficient density, Earth’s low altitude Jovian magnetosphere.