A kind of active control method of spacecraft surface potential

Abstract

The invention discloses an active control method for the surface potential of a spacecraft, which can correct the current balance on the surface of the spacecraft by emitting positive ion beams, reduce the surface potential of the spacecraft, avoid the phenomenon of unequal charging, and also reduce the disturbance of photoelectrons to plasma ions and electrons. The measured energy band is close to the measurement limit of the instrument, improving the stability and accuracy of the measurement; the active potential control method can control the positive potential and the negative potential at the same time, so it has a wider range of applications; when controlling the negative potential, By setting two thresholds, the lower limit of the preset surface potential V 2 and preset potential V 3 , to control the startup and shutdown of the liquid metal ion source respectively. Since there is a certain difference between the two thresholds, after the liquid metal ion source is turned on, it emits a positive ion flow to increase the surface potential. After a period of time, the surface potential reaches the preset potential V 3 , the liquid metal ion source is turned off, therefore, this method will not cause frequent start-up of the liquid metal ion source, which plays an important role in prolonging its life and improving its stability.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to the field of spacecraft space environment effect protection, in particular to a method for actively controlling the surface potential of a spacecraft. Background technique [0002] During the orbital operation of the spacecraft, affected by the space environment such as space plasma and light, the charging phenomenon caused by the accumulation of surface charges will occur. In the shadow area of ​​the earth, the surface potential of the spacecraft may reach negative thousands of volts or even tens of thousands of volts; while under the condition of sunlight, affected by the emission of photoelectrons, the potential of the illuminated surface of the spacecraft may reach tens of volts of positive. The phenomenon of electrification on the surface of a spacecraft will seriously affect its safe and stable operation in orbit and the accuracy of detection data: [0003] (1) It is inevitable to use a variety of materials with differen...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

When the above potential difference reaches a certain level, discharge may occur, breakdown the surface material or interfere with the operation of the spacecraft;

[0004] (2) When the spacecraft accurately measures the space environment, especially the plasma environment, the spacecraft is required to have a low potential, and the surface potential caused by the charging phenomenon on the surface of the spacecraft will affect the trajectory and energy of the plasma around the spacecraft, so that Plasma distribution functions become distorted, making it difficult to accurately measure ion distribution functions and low-energy electron spectra

However, with the increase in size, life extension, and increase in operating voltage of my country's orbiting spacecraft, it has become increasingly difficult for simple grounding measures to meet the requirements.

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