Nascap-2k Spacecraft Charging Code Overview

Mandell, M. J.; Davis, V. A.; Cooke, D. L.; Wheelock, A. T.

doi:10.21236/ada473373

Cited by 6 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 1 publication

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“…For over four decades, NASA and the Air Force have worked to advance charging simulation capabilities through their commonly developed three-dimensional (3-D) software, NASA Air Force Spacecraft Charging Analyzer Program (Nascap-2 K) [10]. In short, this software enables charging analysis of custom construction spacecraft in a realistic orbital environment.…”

Section: Simulation Softwarementioning

confidence: 99%

NASA Air Force Spacecraft Charging Analyzer Program Confirmation of GPS Arcing

Fulford

Ferguson²,

Hoffmann³

et al. 2022

Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets

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GPS satellites undergo surface contamination on the solar array coverglasses from repeated arcing events. Using NASA Air Force Spacecraft Charging Analyzer Program (Nascap-2 K) spacecraft charging simulation software, a GPS Block IIF satellite model was constructed and analyzed in realistic Medium Earth Orbit environments. GPS Block IIF satellites have Qioptiq CMG-type coverglasses (as do all other GPS satellites). The Nascap-2 K model with CMG coverglasses charges to high differential levels in maximum charging environments, in the range above the arcing threshold, as determined by studies at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), and so arcing is confirmed by theory. This finding agrees with onboard Los Alamos National Laboratory measurements and Arecibo observational data for GPS satellites. Other AFRL results show that CMX-type coverglasses, being more bulkconductive, should charge less and perhaps mitigate arcing on the solar arrays. A Nascap-2 K model using CMX coverglasses is shown to charge differentially much less than CMG, and not reach levels above the arcing threshold. In the simulation, the commonly used CMG coverglass charges quickly, exceeding its arcing voltage threshold of 1500 V in about 1 h and 10 min. In comparison, CMX results indicate an ability to remain well under its arcing threshold throughout the orbit. NomenclatureNi, Ne = ion and electron number densities, m −3 Ti, Te = ion and electron temperatures, eV V = potential, voltage, V ρ = bulk resistivity, Ω ⋅ cm or Ω ⋅ m σ = bulk conductivity, Ω −1 ⋅ cm −1 or Ω −1 ⋅ m −1

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Section: Simulation Softwarementioning

confidence: 99%

NASA Air Force Spacecraft Charging Analyzer Program Confirmation of GPS Arcing

Fulford

Ferguson²,

Hoffmann³

et al. 2022

Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets

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show abstract

“…, NASA Ò NASCAP ³ [18] , Miyake ÕÒEM-SES ³ [19] , Lapenta Ò iPic3D ³ [20] ESA Ò SPIS (Spacecraft Plasma Interaction Software) ³ [21] Õ. ª³ «Í [22] . É, ÝºAE SPIS « ÏÕÙ½ Û AE ³½ Ñ.…”

Section: Themismentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of Plasma Sheath on the Design of Electric Field Instrument Detecting Magnetosheath

Zhou

et al. 2021

CJSS

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The distribution of plasma potential and density around spacecraft is affected by the coupling of spacecraft and plasma, resulting in disturbing the detection of space electric field. In this paper, Spacecraft Plasma Interaction Software (SPIS for short) is used to provide a reference to design the electric field instrument detecting magnetosheath on future missions. The interaction of plasma * ° Ý• Þ¡¹ (2016YFB0501503) Ó¢ Ê±

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“…Several computer models have been developed under national sponsorship, to simulate the interaction of spacecraft with environment. These include NASCAP and NASCAP-2k developed under contract by NASA and the U.S. Air force [25], [26], MUSCAT, developed in Cho's team for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency [27], and the open source SPIS program [28], developed for the European Space Agency. In many cases, the focus is on a satellite floating potential; that is, the potential that a satellite has when it collects no net current.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%