Spacecraft surface charging within geosynchronous orbit observed by the Van Allen Probes

Using the Helium Oxygen Proton Electron (HOPE) and Electric Field and Waves (EFW) instruments from the Van Allen Probes, we explored the relationship between electron energy fluxes in the eV and keV ranges and spacecraft surface charging. We present statistical results on spacecraft charging within...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Space Weather 2016-02, Vol.14 (2), p.151-164
Main Authors: Sarno‐Smith, Lois K., Larsen, Brian A., Skoug, Ruth M., Liemohn, Michael W., Breneman, Aaron, Wygant, John R., Thomsen, Michelle F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Astrophysics
Charging
Density
EFW
Electron energy
Electron pressure
Fluxes
Geosynchronous orbits
HOPE
Impacts on Technological Systems
Magnetosphere Interactions with Satellites and Rings
Magnetosphere: Inner
Magnetospheric Physics
Orbits
Space Plasma Physics
Space Weather
Spacecraft
Spacecraft charging
Spacecraft Sheaths, Wakes, Charging
Statistical analysis
surface charging
Van Allen Probes
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Summary:Using the Helium Oxygen Proton Electron (HOPE) and Electric Field and Waves (EFW) instruments from the Van Allen Probes, we explored the relationship between electron energy fluxes in the eV and keV ranges and spacecraft surface charging. We present statistical results on spacecraft charging within geosynchronous orbit by L and MLT. An algorithm to extract the H+ charging line in the HOPE instrument data was developed to better explore intense charging events. Also, this study explored how spacecraft potential relates to electron number density, electron pressure, electron temperature, thermal electron current, and low‐energy ion density between 1 and 210 eV. It is demonstrated that it is imperative to use both EFW potential measurements and the HOPE instrument ion charging line for examining times of extreme spacecraft charging of the Van Allen Probes. The results of this study show that elevated electron energy fluxes and high‐electron pressures are present during times of spacecraft charging but these same conditions may also occur during noncharging times. We also show noneclipse significant negative charging events on the Van Allen Probes. Key Points Statistical analysis of Van Allen Probes spacecraft charging Intense negative charging occurs in sunlight Electron Pressure, temperature, and fluxes affect charging occurrence and intensity
ISSN:1542-7390
1539-4964
1542-7390
DOI:10.1002/2015SW001345