The measurement of solar array discharges in a simulated space environment

Abstract

A technique has been developed to monitor the radiated E-field of materials discharging in an electron environment, with chambers available for measuring the material discharges which are made of highly reflective materials. These chambers distort the radiated E-field due to their limited measurement area. The technique developed defines a method for correcting the distortion effects caused by the measurement facilities. This measurement technique is necessary when estimating the frequency content and signal strength of the radiated discharge. This technique allows for the prediction of the E-field coupling into receiver antennas onboard satellites.<>