Mitigation of space radiation effects on satellites at Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Abstract

Spacecrafts experience numerous problems from encountering space environment such as radiation belts, solar flares and cosmic rays which are at the origin of space radioactive environment. In this paper, these radiations are investigated and analysed for the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) using Space Environment Information System (SPENVIS) and the results are then used to mitigate their effects on satellites. The radiations from Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR's) and solar flares are composed of highly energetic particles originated from space and they are capable of damaging electronic systems severely. The charged particles from GCR and solar flares are trapped in the Earth's magnetosphere and form belts called Van Allen Belts. These radiations cause harmful effects such as Total Ionizing Doses (TID) and Single Event Upsets (SEU) to space craft components. TID is caused by the presence of electrons and SEU is created by the presence of protons in the atmosphere. TID affects almost every equipment of the satellites while SEU causes soft errors. These effects are really harmful and can even shorten the life span of satellites. Three satellites orbiting in LEO with different altitudes and inclinations are used to study the radiation effects.