An analytical model to predict the particle flux on spacecraft in the solar system

Abstract

In this paper an analytical meteoroid flux model is presented which extends from 1 to 10 AU and covers a mass range from 10 ^-18 to 1 g. The basic flux curve of the model by Grün et al. (1985, Icarus 62, 244-272.) is modified by an analytical multiplication factor in order to approximate the meteoroid flux as predicted by the five-populations-model from Divine (1993, J. Geophys. Res. 98(E9), 17,029-17,048.) The impact velocity distribution as a function of heliocentric distance is described by triangular and Weibull distributions. The analytical model is applied to calculate the probability that an interferometer like DARWIN or LISA may temporarily be disturbed. Also the particle flux on the Galileo, Ulysses and Cassini spacecraft is calculated and compared with measurements and predictions by other meteoroid flux models like METEM.