The charging of spacecraft surfaces

TLDR

Static charge buildup on satellite surfaces is a critical issue that has driven advances in charging theory and the development of sophisticated plasma sheath models. This review summarizes aspects of satellite surface charge buildup relevant to the space physics community. It describes charging processes, models, sheath theories, and observations, focusing on basic concepts. These theories and calculations are widely applied in space physics for system design and interpreting low‑energy plasma measurements.

Abstract

The buildup of static charge on satellite surfaces is an important issue in the utilization of satellite systems. The analysis of this phenomenon has required important advances in basic charging theory and the development of complex codes to evaluate the plasma sheaths that surround satellites. The results of these theories and calculations have wide application in space physics in the design of systems and in the interpretation of low‐energy plasma measurements. In this review, those aspects of charge buildup on satellite surfaces relevant to the space physics community are summarized. The types of charging processes, models of charge buildup, satellite sheath theories, and charging observations are described with emphasis on basic concepts.