Modelling the radiance of the near-surface luminescence of low-orbit spacecraft in the visible and UV regions during maximum and minimum solar activity

Abstract

This paper presents the results of mathematical modelling of the radiance of near-surface luminescence above the windward surfaces of low-orbit spacecraft. The modelling is done for a spacecraft moving in the dark section of the orbit over the region of middle geographical latitudes and for geophysical conditions characteristic of maximum and minimum solar activity. It is shown that, at altitudes of 200-400 km, an increase in solar activity increases the radiance of the near-surface luminescence in the UV and visible regions by 2-3 orders of magnitude. The results of modelling the luminescence radiance can be used to estimate the background radiation when developing optoelectronic apparatus. © 2004 Optical Society of America