X-Ray Spectroscopy for Electrostatic Potential and Material Determination of Space Objects

Measuring the charge on a nearby space object during close proximity, servicing, and rendezvous and docking operations without requiring physical touch remains challenging despite decades worth of data on spacecraft charging and its risks. This paper proposes the means to identify the charge on a closely neighboring space object and its elemental composition by examining the X-ray spectrum generated by energetic electrons impacting the target. In particular, deconvolution of the bremsstrahlung X-ray continuum provides an estimate of the landing energy of the electrons. Knowing the initial electron energy, the potential difference between the source and the target is determined. Additionally, characteristic X-rays emitted during the process of energetic electron–matter impact allows the relative abundance of elements in the target to be determined. Spatial separations in the order of tens of meters are required between an electron gun and the corresponding detector to maximize the collection of the bremsstrahlung spectrum. This could be achieved with either the single-craft and deployable booms or through the use of two spacecraft. Electron beam energies of 40 kV are found to generate sufficient levels of X-rays for potential determination at over 10 m from the target and to determine the landing energy of the beam to within 0.14% using commercial X-ray detectors.