Issues of ensuring the resistance of high-voltage solar arrays of spacecraft to the effects of secondary arc discharges

Abstract

We have considered the issues of ensuring the resistance of high-voltage solar battery (SB) of spacecraft to the effects of secondary arc discharges. Research in this area has been going on for more than 50 years, but the answer to all the questions has not yet been found. First of all, this is due to the complexity of the electrophysical processes occurring on the surface of the spacecraft in space and in laboratory conditions. The second reason is the random nature of secondary vacuum arc discharges, which requires the use of special test methods to confirm the effectiveness and reliability of selected design and technological solutions. Tests in conditions close to full-scale conditions do not allow us to solve this problem. We have given a retrospective review of publications on the physical features of secondary arcs arising on SB of spacecraft, the mechanisms of their initiation, experimental research and testing methods. We paid considerable attention to the issues of the occurrence of secondary arc discharges SB of the spacecraft in the conditions of ionospheric plasma and plasma generated by electric propulsion thrusters. We have shown that despite the large amount of accumulated data and knowledge, the transition from low-voltage SB to high-voltage SB remains a difficult scientific and technical problem, which requires additional research to solve. In addition, it is already necessary to start training personnel who possess a wide range of knowledge and are able to work on this topic. To do this, it seems advisable to organize sectoral research, as well as the allocation of targeted funds for the training of highly qualified specialists and their independent research. This approach will make it possible to solve the problem of creating high-voltage SB in the shortest possible time and prepare personnel for the development of this technology.