TABLE OF CONTENTS In a general sense, aerospace systems can operate in three environments: dormant storage, air (lower atmosphere) and space. Dormant storage is an important consideration for many aerospace platforms. Missiles may be stored for as long as 20 years, and space systems often undergo a long gestation period before launch involving storage, transit and integration at a variety of terrestrial sites. In some cases, the rigours of the earth environment may pose more challenges than space, particularly for short-duration, low-earth-orbital missions. Atmospheric operation involves rapid changes in temperature, pressure and humidity. Avionics also can be dormant for long intervals. Finally, space systems, depending on orbit, must be able to combat a variety of shock/vibration, thermal and radiation requirements [2]. Since the space environment represents the most complex traditional environment, its specification and impacts to electronics and MEMS will be reviewed in greater detail.
Space presents a challenging environment in which to operate electrical devices, in large part due to the presence of high levels of radiation. Radiation is found in many forms in the near-earth space environment and can be roughly categorised into particles with rest mass and photons. The vast majority of particles in space are electrons and protons, but larger particles, such as alpha particles (helium nuclei) and heavier nuclei, are present as well. Many photons which affect electronic devices in a satellite are generated by the interaction of these charged particles with neutral matter in the spacecraft itself. The continuous spectrum...
