Statistical analysis of LEO and GEO satellite anomalies and space radiation

Abstract

Exposure to space radiation substantially degrades satellite systems, provoking severe partial or, in some extreme cases, total failures. Electrostatic discharges (ESD), single event latch-up (SEL), and single event upsets (SEU) are among the most frequent causes of those reported satellite anomalies. The impact of space radiation dose on satellite equipment has been studied in-depth. This study conducts a statistical analysis to explore the relationships between low-Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite anomalies and particle concentrations, solar and geomagnetic activity in the period 2010–2022. Through a monthly and daily timescale analysis, the present work explores the temporal response of space disturbances on satellite systems and the periods when satellites are vulnerable to those disturbances.

This work was sponsored by project “GENESIS: GSSN Environmental and Societal Missions—Subproject UPC”, Grant PID2021-126436OB-C21, MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033/ and EU ERDF “A way to do Europe”.

Peer Reviewed

Postprint (published version)