Can you explain what Goddard Space Center calls deep dielectric charging of cable insulation? What are the system risks?
Deep dielectric charging is the charge from high-energy electrons that builds on dielectric materials in a spacecraft’s interior. The electrons penetrate the nonconducting materials until the material’s dielectric breakdown is reached and a discharge occurs. These discharges can create noise and interference in signals, distort instrument readings, and damage electronics. Most jacketing materials have a charging behavior; therefore, there is an interest in using antistatic materials, such as carbon-filled materials. For a complete discussion of deep dielectric charging, see Janet L. Barth’s article, “Space Weather Effects on Spacecraft Systems” at NASA’s Technical Report Server, ntrs.nasa.gov.
