Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Electrical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

2 Amirkabir University of Technology, Aerospace Reaserch and Technology Institute

3 Amir Kabir university of technology / Department of Electrical Engineering

4 Iranian Space Reaserch Center, Materials and Energy Research Institute, Isfahan, Iran

Abstract

The ions in the space environment cause the surface and internal charging phenomenon in satellites. The accumulated potential during the charging phenomenon can cause electrostatic discharge and  expose the satellite telecommunication components such as antennas and electronic circuits to serious risk. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possibility of electrostatic discharge on satellite surfaces in low earth orbit (LEO) environment and to reduce this possibility in order to reduce the risk of damage to satellite surfaces and telecommunication components. Therefore, First, the surface charging phenomenon was simulated in an aluminum satellite in low earth orbit and then in polar aurora by SPIS software and the possibility of damage to the antennas was investigated. Then, multi-layer thermal insulation was applied to the system and its effects on the charging phenomenon were investigated. Research has shown that adding MLI layers will increase the risk of electrostatic discharge. Therefore, in the next steps, the effect of the grounding system in reducing the risk was investigated. By connecting the layers to the ground in a proper way, the possibility of discharge between the layers and the body and between the layers with each other is minimized, which led to the achievement of an optimal system in terms of electrostatic aspects

Keywords

Main Subjects

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