Accession Number:

ADP002103

Title:

Charged Particle Effects on Space Systems,

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE GEOPHYSICS LAB HANSCOM AFB MA

Personal Author(s):

• Hall,W. N.
• Stevens,N. J.

Report Date:

1983-01-25

Pagination or Media Count:

28.0

Abstract:

There is a growing tendency to plan space missions that will incorporate very large space power systems. These space power systems must function in a space plasma environment that can impose operational limitations. As the power output increases, the operating voltage must also increase and this voltage, exposed at solar array interconnects, interacts with the local plasma. The implications of such interactions are considered here. The available laboratory data for biased array segment tests are reviewed to demonstrate the basic interactions considered. A data set for a test of a floating high voltage array illuminated in a solar simulator test is used to generate approximate relationships for positive and negative current collection from plasma. These relationships are applied to a hypothetical 100 kW power system operating in a 400 lm, near-equatorial, orbit. It is found that discharges from the negative regions of the array are the most probable limiting factor for array operation. Author

Descriptors:

• *Charged particles
• *Space systems
• *Spacecraft
• Plasmas(Physics)
• Interactions
• Bias
• Arrays
• Space missions

Subject Categories:

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE