Electrostatic behaviour of materials in a charging space environment

Electrostatics is one of the major concerns of spacecraft technology. Space is filled with hot and low-density plasma building up high differential voltages resulting in electrostatic discharges, sometimes causing an anomalous behavior of spacecraft electronics. The interaction of the satellite with its environment induces a static charge of the various materials which it is made of. The flow and the evacuation of the charges would require a conductive satellite. Unfortunately, the reality is different and satellites are covered with dielectric materials highly resistant for thermo-optic specific purpose. It is resulting in an absolute charge value of the structure of the satellite and in a differential charge built-up between its components that can be at the origin of electrostatic discharges which consequences can end up in the loss of the satellite itself. Typical anomalies are reviewed; it is shown how they can be recognized as consequences of environmental induces discharges. The distribution of charges over different parts of the spacecraft is depending of ambient conditions: plasma temperature and density and sun illumination. Surface and internal charging are possible; they result in dielectric or metal arcing discharges. Understanding of charging phenomena allows us to define mitigation techniques by controlling charging, electromagnetic interference. Finally, we end with the presentation of what it is done in France and in Europe though activities in the domain of space environment in order to take into account problems in a more general context.