Electrostatic Discharge
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the sudden flow of electricity between two electrically charged objects caused by contact, an electrical short, or dielectric breakdown. In the context of space and astronautical engineering, ESD can cause damage to sensitive electronic components and systems, particularly in spacecraft and satellites. ESD can occur during manufacturing, testing, transportation, and operation of spacecraft and can lead to mission failure. To prevent ESD, engineers use various techniques such as grounding, shielding, and ionization. Grounding involves connecting conductive materials to the earth to equalize the electrical potential. Shielding involves enclosing sensitive components in conductive materials to block external electric fields. Ionization involves introducing ions into the environment to neutralize charges. ESD testing is also performed to ensure the reliability of spacecraft and satellite systems.
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