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Importance of differential charging for controlling both natural and induced vehicle potentials on ATS-5 and ATS-6Three techniques of discharging satellites used on the P78-2 satellite were the ejection of a beam of electrons from an electron gun; the emission of electrons from a heated, biased filament; and the ejection of a plasma containing energetic positive xenon ions and low energy electrons. When the P78-2 satellite ground to plasma potential difference reached several hundred volts, each of the three techniques was able to completely discharge the satellite. The comparative effctiveness of the techniques were clearly shown. Two days later, the satellite charged to -8 keV upon entering eclipse. The electron gun, emitting 1 mA of electrons with 150 eV energy, reduced the difference in potential between satellite ground and the ambient plasma to -1 kV, but could not completely discharge the satellite. The plasma source completely discharged the satellite.
Document ID
19820006396
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Whipple, E. C.
(California Univ. San Diego, CA, United States)
Olsen, R. C.
(California Univ. San Diego, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1980
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Lewis Research Center Spacecraft Charging Technol., 1980
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Accession Number
82N14269
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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