Discharge and electromagnetic radiation behind the hole of simulated charging satellite surface under impact

Abstract

To evaluate the threat of the impact of micrometeoroids and orbital debris on the satellite, we designed an unequal potential charging device on the satellite surface in the ground experiment. The unequal potential charging device is placed on a metal box to simulate the satellite shell. A small hole is opened on the metal box to study the coupling effect between the electromagnetic pulse generated by the impact and the small hole. We recorded the impact experiment's discharge current and voltage curves and detected the electromagnetic and plasma signals on both sides of the hole. The experimental results show that the plasma entering the metal box through the small hole will release the voltage difference inside and outside the metal box and cause the discharge. The electromagnetic field probe in the metal box also detected the electromagnetic radiation signal of 20∼100 MHz.