Surface charging and dose monitor on geosynchronous orbit satellite

Abstract

Based on the typical dielectric materials and devices of satellite, a surface charging and dose monitor (SCAD) was developed to measure the surface charging voltage, current, and dose under different shielding depths. The SCAD has been successfully launched into orbit on June 23, 2020. The measurement results on orbit show that the SCAD works normally, and the data of SCAD are reasonable. The results show that the radiation dose rate on geosynchronous orbit is about 0.4 mrad(Si)/s, and the maximum charging voltage is about −800 V during the initial measuring period. The charging voltage is consistent with the trends of geomagnetic disturbance Kp index. The on-orbit data provide basic data on surface charging and discharging effect and total dose effect, supporting the safe and reliable operation of the satellite.

An Analysis of the Effect of Hall Thruster Plumes on Surface Charging of a Complex Spacecraft Structure

“…The Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO orbit) is known for severe spacecraft charging and discharging [12]. This orbit, particularly in the critical region for hot plasma injection in the magnetotail, where the rate of hot plasma injection is directed towards Earth, results in the accumulation of various positive and negative charges on the Earth-facing side of satellites.…”