Experimental Verification of an ECEMP Spacecraft Discharge Coupling Model

In the space environment, spacecraft dielectrics can be charged to potentials high enough to result in discharges. JAYCOR has performed several studies to characterize discharges on spacecraft materials and components. This characterization data was used to formulate a semi-empirical model of the coupling of discharges to spacecraft structures. This paper presents the results of a joint analytical and experimental program in which this model was tested. The results described here show that the model accurately predicts discharge coupling for simple geometries, but that additional physical processes must be considered for the model to be able to predict the response of reentrant geometries.