The number of operational satellites and debris objects in the valuable geosynchronous ring
has increased steadily over time such that active debris removal missions are necessary to …

A method is investigated to use secondary electrons to touchlessly sense the electrostatic
potential of an object in geosynchronous orbit or deep space. This method involves a …

Spacecraft charge naturally in orbit due to the plasma environment and the electromagnetic
radiation from the sun. By emitting an electron beam, a servicer spacecraft can control its …

Remote surface potential determination for nearby objects in space is an enabling
technology for a range of space mission concepts, from improved rendezvous capabilities to …

Measuring the charge on a nearby space object during close proximity, servicing, and
rendezvous and docking operations without requiring physical touch remains challenging …

Remote charge sensing is a technique that can provide valuable insight into spacecraft‐
environment interactions, as well as enable missions that leverage electrostatic interactions …

SPACECRAFT operating in high Earth orbit experience electro-static charging due to
interactions with the space environment. This accumulation of charge becomes hazardous …

Abstract Space solar arrays must survive in the hostile space environment. The most
dangerous space solar array environmental interaction is spacecraft charging, which can …

The Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites arc into the space environment. Evidence for
this consists of undispersed impulsive radio frequency signals are shown in the dual …

The secondary electron method has been recently proposed to touchlessly sense the
electrostatic potential of non-cooperative objects in geosynchronous equatorial orbits and …