Data Analysis of the Polar Plasma Environment for Spacecraft Charging Analysis
- Paper number
IAC-11,D5,3,10,x10928
- Author
Prof. Mengu Cho, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan
- Coauthor
Mr. Koya Saito, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan
- Year
2011
- Abstract
Polar Earth orbit (PEO) is a peculiar orbit where energetic auroral electrons and low-temperature ionospheric plasma coexist. There is a risk of charging and subsequent arcing in PEO. The plasma environment, namely its density and energy, is the crucial parameter for the spacecraft charging analysis. We statistically analyzed the environmental condition in PEO using the data of auroral electrons and thermal ions measured by DMSP (Defense Meteorological Satellite Program) satellites. The energy spectrum of energetic electrons were fitted by double Maxwellian using Genetic algorithm. Using the derived distribution function, the aurora current density and the average energy were derived. Probability of a given combination of current densities of auroral electrons and thermal ions was derived. The correlation between the energy of the auroral electrons and the thermal ion density is also classified. Combinations of the plasma parameters used by a spacecraft charging simulation software was identified and database regarding the probability of occurrence of each combination was formulated. Spacecraft charging analysis was carried out to derive a number of electrostatic discharge events expected for one year in polar orbit using the statistical database.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-11,D5,3,10,x10928.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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