HET Transfer Orbit Efficiency Dataset

Overview

This dataset encapsulates vital metrics relevant to understanding how space weather affects the operation and efficiency of Hall Effect Thrusters (HETs) used in spacecraft transfer orbits. These thrusters, which use noble gases, are crucial for precise maneuvering and station-keeping in space missions.

Dataset Description

The dataset comprises various parameters recorded during the operation of HETs operating in Transfer Orbits. Each entry is timestamped and includes measurements of magnetic fields, proton density, temperatures, and spacecraft coordinates — all factors influenced by space weather.

Why Space Weather?

Understanding space weather's effects on Hall Effect Thrusters (HETs) is crucial for:

Thruster Performance: Variations in plasma density and magnetic fields can directly affect thrust efficiency.
Component Erosion: Increased particle fluxes can accelerate wear on thruster components.
Operational Stability: Fluctuations in solar activity can impact the power systems that feed these thrusters.
Mission Safety and Planning: Protecting electronics from solar radiation and accurately planning trajectory adjustments are vital for mission success.

Data Fields

YYYY: Year of data recording (converted to 2023 for consistency in examples)
DOY: Day of the year
HR: Hour of the day
MN: Minute of the hour
Timeshift: Time shift in seconds
BX: Magnetic field component in nanoTesla (nT)
Proton Density: Density of protons per cubic centimeter (n/cc)
Temperature: Temperature in Kelvin
X(s/c), Y(s/c), Z(s/c): Spacecraft coordinates in GSE coordinate system (in Earth Radii, Re)

Example Data

| YYYY | DOY | HR | MN | Timeshift | BX   | Proton Density | Temperature | X(s/c) | Y(s/c) | Z(s/c) |
|------|-----|----|----|-----------|------|----------------|-------------|--------|--------|--------|
| 2023 | 1   | 4  | 6  | 1513      | 0.38 | 999.99         | 9999999.    | 9999.99| 9999.99| 9999.99|
| 2023 | 1   | 4  | 27 | 1526      | 0.13 | 6.77           | 164280.     | 197.11 | 55.25  | -11.39 |

Usage Examples

Here's how you might use this dataset in a Python script:

import pandas as pd

data = pd.read_csv('het_data.csv')
print(data.head())

Additional Information

For further queries or if you wish to contribute to or extend this dataset, please reach out through the repository's author

License

This dataset is made available under the MIT License. For more details, see the LICENSE file included with the dataset.