Nizam Ahmad, Darsono, Isdandy Rezki Febrianto, Neflia, Ery Fitrianingsih, Eriko Nasemudin Nasser, Alka Budi Wahidin, Futikhatun Rohmah, Poki Agung Budiantoro, Dede Suhendar
Most damage to satellites in space originates from interactions between space radiation and satellites. Midori-II failure in October 2023, which led to its total loss, was one of such cases believed to be related to charging effects during geomagnetic storms. We studied the effect of charging on the Midori-II satellite structure, modeled as a probe, by performing simulations using SPENVIS tools, focusing on surface charging with EQUIPOT and internal dielectric charging with DICTAT. We simplified the structure of the probe into two main structures, i.e., the first structure coated by multi-layer insulation (MLI) and the second structure shielded by aluminum. Simulation results showed that the first structure experienced high-voltage charging of approximately −1.8 kV, while the second structure suffered less charging on the order of −0.5 kV. The electric field inside the dielectric surpassed the breakdown threshold of 1 × 107 V/m, suggesting a high probability of electrostatic discharge (ESD) initiation. The more significant potential drop on both structures explains the effects of charging on the probe that can be the cause of failure of the Midori-II satellite. © 2026 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Research Center for Smart Mechatronics, Research Organization for Electronics and Informatics (OREI), National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), KST Samaun Samadikun, Jl. Sangkuriang, Dago, Jawa Barat, Bandung, Indonesia; Research Center for Accelerator Technology, Research Organization for Nuclear Energy, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Puspiptek KST BJ Habibie, Serpong, Banten, Tangerang Selatan, 15314, Indonesia; Research Center for Space, Research Organization for Aeronautics and Space, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), KST Samaun Samadikun, Jl. Sangkuriang, Dago, Jawa Barat, Bandung, Indonesia; Research Center for Satellite Technology, Research Organization for Aeronautics and Space, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), KS M. Ibnoe Soebroto, Rancabungur, Bogor, 16310, Indonesia; Atmospheric and Planetary Science Department, Institut Teknologi Sumatera (Itera), Lampung, South Lampung, Indonesia; Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati, Jl. A. H. Nasution 105, Jawa Barat, Bandung, Indonesia