• Electrical charges can build up in satellites
• When an electrical charge builds up in one area, it can be dangerous to satellite equipment
• Charge can build up because material used in that area is highly conductive and there is no air in space, and therefore no way for the charge to move around, or dissipate
• Engineers like to use metals on satellites because they are very sturdy and durable
• Metals conduct electric charges as well
• Commonly used metals like aluminum and steel conduct electricity
• Materials like Mylar, plastic, and Kevlar do not conduct electricity
• To get rid of a build up of electrical charge, engineers can use conductors to their advantage
• Conductors can be put on satellites in areas where charges will build up; then wires of conductors lead the charge away from that area of the satellite

---

Home | Types & Uses | Anatomy of a Satellite | Canadian Satellite Q&A
You Be the Engineer | Image Gallery | Glossary | Credits

Produced by Galactics.
Comments: galactics@spacesim.org.
Last updated on: 8 August 1997.