ABSTRACT

This book will explore the fundamentals of spacecraft charging: why it occurs, when it occurs, where it occurs, how to measure it, and its side effects. It will discuss state-of-the-art spacecraft charging technologies, which will be explained in detail and with pedagogical emphasis. Exercises for further learning will be included to facilitate a deeper understanding of the material.

It will be of interest to advanced undergraduate and graduate students, in addition to researchers working in physics and engineering keen to understand more about spacecraft interactions with space plasmas.

Key Features:

  • Translates complex terminology into accessible language
  • Authored by experts in the field
  • Provides worked examples and exercises for further learning

chapter Chapter 1|9 pages

Overview

chapter Chapter 2|8 pages

Spacecraft Equilibrium Potential

chapter Chapter 3|6 pages

Current Balance

chapter Chapter 4|8 pages

How to Measure Spacecraft Potential

chapter Chapter 5|9 pages

Secondary and Backscattered Electrons

chapter Chapter 7|8 pages

Importance of Surface Conditions

chapter Chapter 8|7 pages

High-Level Spacecraft Potential

chapter Chapter 9|10 pages

Spacecraft Charging in Sunlight

chapter Chapter 10|9 pages

The Monopole-Dipole Model

chapter Chapter 12|14 pages

Spacecraft Charging Induced by Beam Emissions

chapter Chapter 13|9 pages

Mitigation Methods