With the negative grounding of the 160V Photovoltaic (PV) arrays, the International Space Station (ISS) can experience varied and interesting charging events. Since August 2006, there has been a multi-probe package, called the Floating Potential Measurement Unit (FPMU), available to provide redundant measurements of the floating potential of the ISS as well as the density and temperature of the local plasma environment. The FPMU has been operated during intermittent data campaigns since August 2006 and has collected over 160 days of information regarding the charging of the ISS as it has progressed in configuration from one to three PV arrays and with various additional modules such as the European Space Agency's Columbus laboratory and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Kibo laboratory. This paper summarizes the charging of the ISS and the local environmental conditions that contribute to those charging events, both as measured by the FPMU.
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