Recently, two methods have been developed for remote monitoring of spacecraft electrostatic potential from a co-orbiting craft, an important technology for preventing electrostatic discharge during initial contact, characterizing satellite surfaces during servicing missions, and accounting for electrostatic perturbations that affect relative motion during proximity operations. Each method is analyzed individually in the literature and each method has unique strengths and limitations. This work considers the fusion of data from both methods to generate an estimate of the electrostatic potential with higher accuracy and lower uncertainty than either method could provide independently. The methods involve observing x-ray and electron spectra emitted when energetic electrons, such as those from an electron source, strike the surface of a nearby spacecraft. The electron method provides a highly accurate estimate ( error) but is strongly sensitive to the relative geometry of the spacecraft, which limits the times during which a usable signal is received. The x-ray method produces a less accurate estimate ( error) but is less sensitive to target geometry and has greater signal availability. The methods are compared though experiments and a simulated servicing mission, and both estimation methods are fused to mitigate the limitations of each and produce a robust estimate of the surface voltage. Fusing the datasets produces significant improvements in accuracy and geometrical coverage of the voltage estimate across a wide range of conditions. These results are important for future missions, which must remotely monitor the potential on a nearby object to ensure mission success.
Remote Electrostatic Potential Sensing for Proximity Operations: Comparison and Fusion of Methods
Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets ; 59 , 5 ; 1425-1436
2022-04-20
12 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch