Space EMC and Magnetic Cleanliness issues on Science Missions

Professor Christos D. Nikolopoulos,
Hellenic Mediterranean University,
Chania, Crete, Greece

Abstract: Space systems inherently belong to the category of complex systems, having specific unique traits and stringent requirements. It is essential to ensure that the electrical and electronic equipment within a spacecraft function correctly. When switching on an experiment for example, if other payload systems, such as the telemetry or other telecommunications links, were disturbed or even disrupted, there could be fatal consequences. This plenary lecture presents an overview of the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) activities carried out for a space mission focusing on electromagnetic cleanliness issues. Some of the topics that will be discussed exceed conventional EMC problems, such as Plasma Charging and Magnetic Cleanliness, due to various constraints in Space and harsh environments.

Brief Biography of the Speaker: Christos D. Nikolopoulos was born in Athens, Greece, in 1981. He receives a B.Sc. & M.Sc. degree in Physical Sciences and Informatics from the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens (UOA), and a Ph.D. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). He recently acts as Assistant Professor at the Hellenic Mediterranean University, Dept. of Electronic Engineering in addition to his long-standing affiliation as a Research Associate in Wireless & Long-Distance Communication Lab., Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens. Also, he is an outsourcing EMC Consultant at EMTech SPACE P.C. to various projects of ESA’s ITT. His main research interests are in the field of Electromagnetic Compatibility, Inverse EM Scattering, Smart Antennas Design, and Magnetic Cleanliness. His recent research focused on modelling and measuring techniques of electromagnetic emissions from space mission’s equipment. Past positions include Hellenic Telecommunications Organization and various research projects in collaboration with National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, National Technical University of Athens, European Research Agencies and the Hellenic Ministry of Finance.