Earth Observation Satellites
type: Concept

CRRES
type: Concept
in scheme: platforms
definition: The Combined Release and Radiation Effects Satellite (CRRES) Program is comprised of several elements. One is the release of powdered and liquid chemicals during the first 45 to 60 days after launch, when the spacecraft is in its 300-km altitude circular orbit. These releases are used to study electric fields, neutral winds, and other phenomena in the upper atmosphere, the ionosphere, and the magnetosphere. The spacecraft spins at 20 rpm during the low altitude orbit phase of the program. After the chemical releases are completed, the satellite is boosted into a geosynchronous-transfer-type orbit and spun down to 2 rpm. The orbit parameters of this final orbit are as follows: apogee altitude - 35,800 km, perigee altitude - 400 km, period - 630 min, inclination - about 16 deg. As the satellite traverses the inner magnetosphere, a full complement of field, particle, and plasma instruments measures the radiation environment. A comprehensive set of state-of-the-art microelectronics devices and other spacecraft components are tested in orbit for radiation effects. A major segment of the CRRES payload is part of AFGL's Space Radiation Effects Program (SPACERAD). The SPACERAD Program is a comprehensive space and ground test effort to (a) measure radiation-induced single event upsets and total dose degradation of state-of-the-art microelectronics devices, including VHSIC and GaAs, in a known space environment; (b) perform laboratory radiation response and annealing characterization of parts identical to those flown on CRRES; (c) develop algorithms to relate space performance of microelectronic components to ground test procedures, and update existing radiation ground test guidelines to more accurately simulate the behavior of devices in space; (d) space qualify advanced technology devices for use in operational systems; (e) update the static models of the radiation belts; and (f) develop the first dynamic models of the high-energy particle populations. The on-orbit phase of…