Chapter 16 - Deep Dielectric Charging and Spacecraft Anomalies

Abstract

This is an overview of deep dielectric charging on spacecraft. Spacecraft anomalies and failures may occur after exposure to energetic (MeVs) electron environments. These anomalies and failures typically occur with a delay time of days to weeks because it requires significant time for large charge density to accumulate on or in shielded spacecraft materials. This chapter discusses the relationship between deep dielectric charging and such spacecraft anomalies and failures. Deep dielectric charging and subsequent electrical discharging are not only related to severe space environment conditions in the vicinity of the spacecraft, but also depend on the spacecraft material properties which may change slowly in space as materials age from exposure to the space environment.