Multipaction is a radio frequency electron resonance phenomenon that occurs on a spacecraft when atoms are ionized in vacuum. This can occur as a launch vehicle approaches space or during ionized radiation events.
On board the satellite radio frequency communications devices, passive and active command components can be severely damaged during electronically charged ion episodes.
As each time these ions collide with metal surfaces more atoms are stripped of their electrons. This ionization occurs expediently leading to an avalanche of electrons that can arc across components and vias causing hardware degradation and system level failures.
Testing for multipaction in space payload hardware is vital to ensuring spacecraft survivability. Designing RF command components to cope with severe temperature variations, power fluctuations and radiation events are routinely tested at full power to certify systems to withstand “worst case” conditions.
Examples
Multipaction occurs _______
Multipaction Effect