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Guide to Mitigating Spacecraft Charging Effects

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ISBN: 978-1-118-24140-0

May 2012

241 pages

Description

The definitive guide to the modern body of spacecraft charging knowledge—from first principles for the beginner to intermediate and advanced concepts

The only book to blend the theoretical and practical aspects of spacecraft charging, Guide to Mitigating Spacecraft Charging Effects defines the environment that not only creates the aurora, but which also can have significant effects on spacecraft, such as disruption of science measurements and solar arrays from electrostatic discharge (ESD). It describes in detail the physics of the interaction phenomenon as well as how to construct spacecraft to enhance their survivability in the harsh environment of space.

Combining the authors' extensive experience in spacecraft charging—and in their provision of design support to NASA, JPL, the commercial satellite market, and numerous other projects—this incredible book offers both a robust physics background and practical advice for neophytes in the field and experienced plasma physicists and spacecraft engineers.

In addition to containing numerous equations, graphs, tables, references, and illustrations, Guide to Mitigating Spacecraft Charging Effects covers:

  • Solar cell technology, especially higher voltage arrays, and the new design approaches that are appropriate for them

  • Information about the space plasma environment

  • New analytic computer codes to analyze spacecraft charging

  • Spacecraft anomalies and failures which emphasized designs that are of greater importance than others

About the Author

Henry B. Garrett, PhD, is a principal scientist and, until 2011, the chief technologist for the Office of Safety and Mission Success at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). He represented JPL at the Pentagon as part of the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization where he acted as deputy program manager for the highly successful DoD/NASA Clementine Lunar Mission and Program Manager for the Clementine InterStage Adapter Satellite. The recipient of the Air Force's Harold Brown Award and Legion of Merit and NASA Medals for Exceptional Engineering Achievement and for Exceptional Service, Dr. Garrett is the coauthor of Spacecraft Environment Interactions and the author of several NASA spacecraft charging guidelines.

Albert C. Whittlesey, member of the staff, Principal in the Office of Safety and Mission Success, has been a part of the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) group since his arrival at JPL in 1962. Mr. Whittlesey has authored numerous symposium presentations and journal articles about various facets of EMC and spacecraft charging. He received a NASA Exceptional Engineering Achievement Medal for his technical leadership in EMC and ESD. Mr. Whittlesey is also the author of several NASA spacecraft charging guidelines with Dr. Garrett.