radiation environment and its effect on spacecraft signal and components
- Paper number
IAC-10.D5.3.11
- Author
Mr. Michael Kio, National Space Research and Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria, Nigeria
- Coauthor
Prof. Folarunsho Akinbode, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY MINNA, Nigeria
- Year
2010
- Abstract
In a world increasingly dependent on electricity and electronics, the "space weather" outside the atmosphere can have serious effects, in particular on human communications. Currently more than 200 communication satellites circle the Earth in synchronous orbit. A large magnetic storm can greatly increase the number of fast ions and electrons which hit those spacecrafts; such ions and electrons are similar to the ones emitted by radioactive substances and can create serious problems. The simplest effect is an electric charge on the spacecraft and its components, usually negative charge, raising its voltage to hundreds or even thousands of volts. Charging by itself has little effect on the spacecraft's operation, although on a scientific satellite it would seriously distort observations. However, if different parts of the spacecraft are charged to different voltages, the current between them can cause damage. Particles with higher energy can permanently degrade solar cells. Also, high-energy particles can penetrate the circuitry and cause either damage or false signals which lead to unintended responses by satellites. This paper will present the principle of how space weather or space radiation environment cause complete and partial breakdown of satellite instruments and circuitry using Nigerian satellites as case study.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-10.D5.3.11.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.