Geosynchronous orbit (GEO) weathering induces differential charging of spacecraft surfaces due to simultaneous fluxes of electrons with a wide distribution of energies onto, into, and through spacecraft surface materials. Thus, satellite surfaces can charge thousands of volts with respect to each other whereas entire satellites can charge tens of thousands of volts negative of their surrounding space plasma. The ensuing electric fields can cause local discharges (arcs) from one part of the spacecraft to another, endangering the normal operation of the satellite. Arcing on solar panels can cause reduced optical transmission through solar cell coverglasses which will lead to reduced power production negatively affecting a long-term satellite missions. This work focuses on evaluation of simulated GEO space weather effect, comprised by < 90 keV high-energy electron irradiation, on optical and charge transport properties of two different types of commonly used space solar cells coverglasses, CMX and CMG.
KEYWORDS: Satellites, Solar energy, Global Positioning System, Solar radiation, Solar cells, Electrons, Contamination, Telescopes, Space operations, Silica
The harsh space environment at geosynchronous orbit (GEO) induces differential charging of spacecraft surfaces due to fluxes of high energy electrons onto and through them. Thus, satellite surfaces can charge thousands of volts with respect to each other whereas entire satellites can charge tens of thousands of volts negative of their surrounding space plasma. The ensuing electric fields can cause local discharges (arcs), endangering the normal operation of the satellite. Solar cell coverglass contamination induced by the high rate of arcing is sufficient to produce the ~1.5 percent/ year power loss in excess of radiation damage on the global positioning system (GPS) satellites. This work focuses on evaluation of a GEO space weather effect, caused by 90 keV high-energy electron radiation, on material properties of different types of commonly used in space solar cell coverglasses (CMX, fused silica, and 0214). Charge analysis performed with a GPS Block IIF NASCAP model demonstrated that the use of CMX, a high-conductivity coverglass, may help to mitigate differential charging and prevent arc-induced contamination. Finally, radiofrequency observations by the Arecibo 305 m telescope of GEO satellites with different configurations have registered abundant arcing of satellites utilizing less conductive coverglasses and no arcing on two with CMX coverglasses. It is the object of the current study to see how space weathering of different coverglass types may alter these results.
Access to the requested content is limited to institutions that have purchased or subscribe to SPIE eBooks.
You are receiving this notice because your organization may not have SPIE eBooks access.*
*Shibboleth/Open Athens users─please
sign in
to access your institution's subscriptions.
To obtain this item, you may purchase the complete book in print or electronic format on
SPIE.org.
INSTITUTIONAL Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.
PERSONAL Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.