Memory Upsets and the South Atlantic Anomaly


Image provided courtesy of M. A. Shea, Geophysics Directorate, Philips Laboratory
When a low flying spacecraft encounters the South Atlantic Anomaly, it can be immersed in an enhanced cloud of high-velocity electrons and ions. These particles penetrate deeply into the spacecraft, impacting sensitive electronics and producing false signals in memory cells. This can be particularly dangerous when these memory upsets occur in control systems or decision-making logic circuits. The image shows the distribution of memory upsets experienced by UOSAT-2. They cluster strongly over South America. Scientists and satellite operators try to shield instruments and computers against the penetrating particles and limit the use of these types of systems while drifting through the South Atlantic Anomaly.

The source of this material is Windows to the Universe, at http://windows2universe.org/ from the National Earth Science Teachers Association (NESTA). The Website was developed in part with the support of UCAR and NCAR, where it resided from 2000 - 2010. © 2010 National Earth Science Teachers Association. Windows to the Universe® is a registered trademark of NESTA. All Rights Reserved. Site policies and disclaimer.