Spacecraft Electromagnetic Environment Prediction

The NASA Space Shuttle orbiter, as a test bed for low-orbit space laboratory experiments, needs an orbiter system electromagnetic environment that is well defined for the user. This report covers some aspects of defining the requirements for definition development. The orbiter avionic black boxes are designed in accordance with slightly modified MIL-STD-461 electromagnetic emission and susceptibility requirements, and these requirements provide a baseline to develop the system requirements. This report deals with the signal and power grounding system and the attendant prediction of common mode voltages and ac and dc magnetic fields. The RF fields are not discussed.