Advances in Electromagnetic Environmental Shielding for Aeronautics and Space Applications

Electromagnetic environmental shielding is one of the main research topics for the development of aeronautical and space applications. Numerous research groups around the world study the problems that space systems and astronauts experience when these are subjected to space radiation. Despite the progress made so far, different proposals of advanced materials have been continuously proposed throughout the history of space career to protect space systems and astronauts against the solar particle events (SPE), cosmic rays galactic (GCRs), and proton-electron radiation (PERs). This chapter presents the recent advances made about space environmental shielding and that have been reported so far to visualize the future perspectives that this type of research must carry out so that future space voyage is completely reliable for space systems and astronauts. This research area is fully current, and its experimental success will depend on the work done by all space researchers and professionals.

Modeling Antenna Radiation Using Artificial Intelligence Techniques

The forward and the inverse problem of a thin, circular, loop antenna that radiates in free space is modeled and solved by using soft computing techniques such as artificial neural networks and adaptive neuro fuzzy inference systems. On the one hand, the loop radius and the observation angle serve as inputs to the forward model, whereas the radiation intensity is the output. On the other hand, the electric field intensity and the loop radius are the input and output, respectively, to the inverse model. Extensive numerical tests indicate that the results predicted by the proposed models are in excellent agreement with theoretical data obtained from the existing analytical solutions of the forward problem. Thus, the employment of artificial intelligence techniques for tackling electromagnetic problems turns out to be promising, especially regarding the inverse problems that lack solution with other methods.

Aspects of Extremely Low Frequency Electric and Magnetic Cleanliness on Space Platforms

Nowadays, a wide range of space missions accommodate ever-stricter electromagnetic cleanliness requirements arising either from the need for more precise measurements or from the implementation of highly sensitive equipment. Therefore, the establishment of a methodology that ensures the minimization of the electric and/or magnetic field in specific areas inside or outside the spacecraft structure is crucial. Towards this goal, the current chapter proposes that utilizing the results of a process completed during the early design stages of a mission, that is, the measurement and characterization of each implemented device, the desired elimination of the field can be achieved. In particular, the emerged electromagnetic signatures of the units are proven essential for the proposed methodology, which, using a heuristic approach, defines the optimal ordinance of the equipment that leads to system-level electromagnetic field minimization in the volume of interest. The dimensions of the devices and the effect of the conductive surfaces of the spacecraft's hull are also taken into account.

SpaceWire

SpaceWire is a point-to-point bit shipping protocol for high-speed data communication links and networks providing equipment compatibility and seamless component reusability. It has found great application in many space missions reducing the development cost, offering architectural flexibility, and improving reliability. This chapter delves into the standard describing the SpaceWire, focusing on the lower levels that play a key role in the electromagnetic behavior of the system and concern cable assemblies, shielding, bonding, and grounding. Findings regarding emissions affecting spacecraft components are presented as well as other EMC issues that have an impact on the system performance. Recent developments on the modelling of the cable of the system with a focus on radiated emissions of SpW systems are also presented and discussed.

Electromagnetic Transients

This chapter aims at presenting the current international standards and the recent bibliography regarding the transient phenomena associated with space systems, with emphasis on the EMC requirements. The first section of the chapter focuses on the description of the physical mechanisms causing transient electromagnetic phenomena in space. The second section reviews the procedures proposed for testing the immunity of space equipment against these transients, as described in the current space standards and in recent bibliography as non-standardized testing procedures. Finally, the last section investigates possible mitigation approaches and design guidelines against these electromagnetic disturbances, essential for every space system designer.

Magnetic Sensors for Space Applications and Magnetic Cleanliness Considerations

This chapter is composed by three parts. The first is an introductory part, providing general information about magnetism and related phenomena. Magnetic materials are also discussed and presented. Afterwards, the magnetic field and various measurement techniques are discussed. In the second part, different magnetic sensors used in a laboratory or space are presented. Magnetic sensors that are discussed include anisotropic magneto-resistance (AMR), giant magneto-resistance (GMR), giant magneto-impedance (GMI), flux-gate, and superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID). Although some of them may be outdated and well known, they are widespread, and they still pose an excellent choice for certain applications. Advances in magnetometers also presented in order to provide the reader with the recent trends in the field. Magnetic cleanliness is an important factor both in calibration and in normal operation of a system; in the third part, current techniques to isolate a system from the external magnetic field providing cleanliness are discussed.

Electromagnetic Compatibility Testing for Space Systems

Electromagnetic compatibility has emerged in the last decades as one of the most important aspects of product design. Space equipment, in particular, due to their increased sensitivity requirements and a greater risk of failure, are required to comply with a variety of EMC requirements. The scope of this chapter is to provide a detailed overview of these requirements according to the two main standards applicable, MIL-STD461G and ECSS-E-ST-20-07C, describing the proposed methodologies, the associated testing instrumentation, and the tailoring capabilities. The limitations of these methodologies and relative research, aiming to validate or improve them, are also presented highlighting potential deficiencies. This chapter aims to serve as a compact guide to EMC testing of space equipment according to the requirements of two of the most active organizations of space engineering.

Recent Advances on Measuring and Modeling ELF-Radiated Emissions for Space Applications

Nowadays, a wide range of space missions accommodate ever-stricter electromagnetic cleanliness requirements arising either from the need for more precise measurements or from the implementation of highly sensitive equipment. Therefore, the establishment of a methodology that ensures the minimization of the electric and/or magnetic field in specific areas inside or outside the spacecraft structure is crucial. Towards this goal, the current chapter proposes that utilizing the results of a process completed during the early design stages of a mission, that is, the measurement and characterization of each implemented device, the desired elimination of the field can be achieved. In particular, the emerged electromagnetic signatures of the units are proven essential for the proposed methodology, which, using a heuristic approach, defines the optimal ordinance of the equipment that leads to system-level electromagnetic field minimization in the volume of interest. The dimensions of the devices and the effect of the conductive surfaces of the spacecraft's hull are also taken into account.