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Simulation of the electrostatic charging of the MetOp-SG satellites in the polar auroral zone

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Abstract

The ability to withstand the harsh space environment is one of the key challenges in the design and construction of satellites. One of these special characteristics of space is the plasma environment encountered in orbit. In this paper, the system-level charging analysis and simulations for the METOP-SG satellites are presented. The METOP-SG satellites will be launched into a sun-synchronous low Earth orbit (LEO) with an altitude of 835 km. In this orbit, the local plasma parameters in the so-called auroral zone close to the poles can lead to critical charging of the satellites [1]. The simulations are performed using a three-dimensional satellite model, where the main elements and surfaces are included. The tool for the simulations is the spacecraft plasma interaction software (SPIS) which has been developed under ESA contract [2]. The calculated surface potentials on the satellite are critically reviewed, the possibility for electrostatic discharges (ESD) is analysed, and protective measures for the minimization of the risks to the satellite mission are discussed.

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  1. Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, 88039, Friedrichshafen, Germany

    Christian Imhof

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  1. Christian Imhof
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Correspondence to Christian Imhof.

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Imhof, C. Simulation of the electrostatic charging of the MetOp-SG satellites in the polar auroral zone. CEAS Space J 12, 137–147 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12567-019-00279-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12567-019-00279-3

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