J.C. Green, Space Hazards Applications, LLC; T.P. O’Brien, The Aerospace Corporation; R. Quin, Atmospheric and Environmental Research
Keywords: space weather, satellite anomaly, space radiation
Abstract:
Space radiation poses a constant hazard to Earth orbiting satellites that must operate reliably in this extremely harsh and highly variable environment. Much has changed since the first satellite launch, nearly 6 solar cycles ago. Our understanding of the space radiation environment and technology to reduce its impacts have both significantly improved. Despite these advances, space weather still causes satellite anomalies. As the number of satellites in orbit grows and the complexity of coordinating their operation increases, so do the potential consequences of an intense space weather event. Many of the satellites on orbit now were launched during the relatively benign conditions of solar minimum and their ability to withstand future more intense events is uncertain.
To address this hazard, we have developed tools for satellite operators to monitor the space environment so they can anticipate and manage any potential impacts to satellite systems. Here we discuss the Satellite Charging and Radiation Monitoring Tool (SCRaM) and demonstrate its utility for identifying space weather related hazards. SCRaM is an online application that provides information about potential impacts to satellites from different components of the radiation environment including internal charging from high energy electrons and single event effects from energetic ions. It allows users to create a timeline of particle fluxes and impacts at the location of any satellite on orbit with selectable bespoke design parameters such as shielding thickness and component materials. The tool also includes the ability to view and monitor impacts to multiple satellites in a constellation to accommodate the changing satellite infrastructure.
Date of Conference: September 27-20, 2022
Track: Atmospherics/Space Weather