The 20 Minute Effect - An Anomalous TWT Anode Discharge Phenomenon

This paper has provided a condensed review of the anomalous "20 minute" events that have been encountered in orbit on various satellites. The conclusions reported herein have evolved largely as a part of the findings of the Team which has specifically addressed the cause of these anomalous events and their implications. These conclusions unequivocally indicate the "20 minute" low energy spurious events will have no or minimal effect on the communications, transmissions, or TWTA reliability nor will these events cause any problem on any of the involved satellites. In addition, as already determined by in orbit history, the reoccurrence of these innocuous events are expected to vanish as a function of operating time. The 20 minute effect has since been eliminated thru optimization of gun electrode spacing and significant reduction of electric field stress