Date of Award
3-3-2003
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Department of Engineering Physics
First Advisor
Devin J. Della-Rose, PhD
Abstract
Spacecraft charging threatens to disable spacecraft components and adversely impact any satellite function. Electrostatic charge, and especially discharge, can hinder the proper operation of, or destroy, spacecraft components, thereby rendering the spacecraft ineffective or inoperative. The level of charging is dependent on the particle energy (speed) distribution. Current spacecraft design and material provide limited protection against the dangers of electrostatic discharge, and active measures such as beam emission are also employed.
AFIT Designator
AFIT-GAP-ENP-03-05
DTIC Accession Number
ADA415131
Recommended Citation
Harris, Jose T., "Spacecraft Charging at Geosynchronous Altitudes: Current Balance and Critical Temperature in a Non-Maxwellian Plasma" (2003). Theses and Dissertations. 4166.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/4166