The Satellite Space Charging Phenomenon, And Design And Test Considerations

Abstract

The phenomenon of spacecraft charging in space plasmas and the resultant discharges (electrostatic discharges, or space ESDs) has been known for some time. The charging process requires the presence of ionized gases (plasmas) of high (10 keV or higher) thermal energies, which are caused by solar magnetic storms. Reference [l] presents a brief description; [2] and [3] are more extensive descriptions of the space charging process.