Radiation and other environmental effects on satellites

The radiation environments encountered by a satellite according to its orbit are summarized. The breakdown of high-energy radiation on meeting matter is described, indicating the mechanisms and nature of damage caused to equipment. An argument is presented to show that screening against hard radiation is inefficient and uneconomical. Estimates are given of the life of a transistor¿the most susceptible to damage of normal electronic components¿in a satellite traversing the lower Van Allen belt. Means of protection against the erosive low energy radiation are discussed and requirements to meet launching conditions are mentioned.