Space Weather Effects on Technology

Abstract

Space weather effects on technology are discussed. After a brief general overview of the consequences of space weather on various technologies and a summary of the space environment, the effects of plasmas and particle radiation on systems in space are considered in more detail. The processes responsible for spacecraft surface charging and internal charging and the consequences of subsequent discharges are examined. The concepts of total ionising dose, displacement damage, and single event effects are introduced. The principles how they affect semiconductor devices are discussed and the basic ideas for calculating these quantities are presented. Finally, plasma and particle-induced interference and background in scientific sensors are considered. Examples of various types of space weather effects on space systems are given.