Laboratory test of arcing on the power cables of LEO satellites
- Paper number
IAC-05-E2.P.10
- Author
Mr. Delu Qu, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan
- Year
2005
- Abstract
In the Low Earth Orbit, cracks are often made at the power cable of a satellite by debris, heat cycle, etc. Triple junctions formed on these cracks may lead to arcs. On a satellite, the cables of HOT and RTN are placed close to each other in many cases. Therefore, sustained arc may occur if an arc track is formed. If sustained arc takes place, the cable is carbonized and burned out. At the worst case, it will spread to neighboring cables. And the satellite may lose power from the solar panel. The purpose of this study is to investigate the conditions by which self-sustained electrical discharge is generated on cables. An experiment was carried out in a vacuum chamber which simulated Low Earth Orbit environment. A substrate made of CFRP (Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Plastics) was used. The experiment was carried out by placing the cables with cracks on the CFRP surface or on Kapton facesheet over the CFRP. The causes of cracks are the debris and the heat cycle, etc. We prepared the cracks simulating them. Sustained arcs were observed under certain conditions. This paper reports these results of sustained arcs.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-E2.P.10.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.