Integrated environmental monitoring system for spacecraft

Abstract

This paper describes an integrated space environmental monitoring system for geosynchronous satellites. The system provides measurements of surface charging, internal charging, and total dose radiation from the space environment. It is installed on seven of Martin Marietta's commercial communications spacecraft, which are scheduled for launch in the near future. There are two components: an internal charge monitor, and a surface charge detector. Total weight is less than one pound; power consumption, about 0.5 watt. Charging flux information from these detectors will permit evaluation of the effects of internal charging on electronic PC boards and will lead to the development of reliable, low-weight methods to detect on-orbit spacecraft charging events and to control charging and discharging.