Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2025

10:53
Scanning-probe Single-electron Capacitance Spectroscopy
Published on: July 30, 2013
13.0K
Research on High-Precision and Wide-Range Spacecraft Potential Measurement Method Based on Capacitive Voltage
Hong Yin1, Haibo Liu1, Xiaogang Qin1
1Science and Technology on Vacuum Technology and Physics Laboratory, Lanzhou Institute of Physics, Lanzhou 730000, China.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 17, 2024
Summary
Spacecraft charging in orbit can cause anomalies. This study developed a high-precision, non-contact system to measure spacecraft potential, improving satellite safety and reliability.
Area of Science:
- Space Physics
- Aerospace Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
Background:
- Space plasma environment causes spacecraft charging, leading to anomalies, especially in geosynchronous orbits.
- Unequal high-potential charging significantly impacts spacecraft operation and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate a high-precision, wide-range spacecraft potential measurement method.
- Address the need for measuring unequal charge states on spacecraft surfaces.
- Enhance spacecraft safety and reliable operation through accurate potential monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Developed a spacecraft potential measurement method based on capacitive voltage division.
- Analyzed measurement mechanisms and error factors.
- Innovatively developed a fundamental charge zeroing method to resolve output drift.
Main Results:
- Developed a non-contact potential measurement system.
- Achieved a measurement range up to -15,000 V.
- Demonstrated a resolution below 15 V and nonlinear error less than 0.1%.
Conclusions:
- The developed system provides crucial technical support for monitoring spacecraft potential.
- The system enhances spacecraft safety and protection against plasma-induced anomalies.
- Accurate measurement of spacecraft potential is vital for mission success in harsh space environments.
Keywords:
capacitive voltage divisionoutput driftpotential detectorspace chargingspacecraft potentialMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Equivalent Capacitance
1.4K
Multiple capacitors can be connected in a circuit in series or parallel configuration. When the capacitor combination is connected to a battery, the potential drop across each capacitor and the magnitude of charge stored in the individual capacitor depends on the type of the connection. The capacitor combination is replaced by a single equivalent capacitor that stores the same amount of charge as the combination for a given potential difference.
The following strategies are adopted to calculate...
The following strategies are adopted to calculate...
1.4K
Potentiometer
538
Voltage and current measurements using a standard voltmeter and ammeter alter the circuit being measured either by drawing or resisting the current flow, which introduces uncertainties in the measurements. Null measurements balance the voltages so that no current flows through the measuring device and, therefore, no alterations occur in the measured circuit.
Suppose the emf of a battery needs to be measured. If the battery is directly connected to a standard voltmeter, the measured quantity is...
Suppose the emf of a battery needs to be measured. If the battery is directly connected to a standard voltmeter, the measured quantity is...
538
Dielectric Polarization in a Capacitor
4.6K
The presence of a dielectric medium in a capacitor not only changes the voltage and capacitance but also affects the electric field. In general, dielectrics can be of two types: polar and nonpolar. In a polar dielectric, the positive and negative charges in the molecules are separated by a distance and hence have a permanent dipole moment. In contrast, no such charge separation exists in a nonpolar dielectric, however the nonpolar molecules get polarized in the presence of an external electric...
4.6K
Capacitance: Single-Phase And Three-Phase Line
149
In electrical power systems, understanding the capacitance of transmission lines is fundamental for efficient operation.
Single-Phase Lines
Consider a single-phase, two-wire transmission line with equal phase spacing energized by a voltage source. One conductor carries a uniform positive charge, while the other carries an equal negative charge. The capacitance C of the line can be derived from the voltage V between the conductors. For a one-meter section of the line, the capacitance is given...
Single-Phase Lines
Consider a single-phase, two-wire transmission line with equal phase spacing energized by a voltage source. One conductor carries a uniform positive charge, while the other carries an equal negative charge. The capacitance C of the line can be derived from the voltage V between the conductors. For a one-meter section of the line, the capacitance is given...
149
Capacitors
411
Capacitors play a crucial role in car radios, where they filter and store frequencies to ensure clear signal reception. Essentially serving as energy storage devices, capacitors store energy within their electric field and are composed of two parallel conducting plates separated by a dielectric.
When a voltage source is connected to a capacitor, positive and negative charges accumulate on the opposite plates. This accumulation generates a potential difference that equals the product of the...
When a voltage source is connected to a capacitor, positive and negative charges accumulate on the opposite plates. This accumulation generates a potential difference that equals the product of the...
411
Controlled-Potential Coulometry: Electrolytic Methods
135
Controlled-potential coulometry, also known as potentiostatic coulometry, employs a three-electrode system in which the working electrode's potential is precisely regulated using a potentiostat. Platinum working electrodes are utilized for positive potentials, while mercury pool electrodes are favored for extremely negative potentials. The platinum counter electrode is separated from the analyte using a membrane or salt bridge to avoid interference in the analysis.
The chosen potential...
The chosen potential...
135

