Charged Bodies in Space Plasmas , Eds. In geosynchronous orbit which is occupied by communication satellites the collective effects that are dominant in low-Earth orbit are weak and individual particle effects are dominant. Electron energies here range from several keV up to the MeV range. During magnetic storms which accompany high solar activity the incidence of high-energy particles originating from the solar wind increases significantly. The energetic electrons collide with spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit, building up charge which can eventually lead to electrical breakdown, arc discharge and physical damage.
Discharges interfere with control signals and in the worst case can destroy circuits.
Consequences of discharges range from temporary operational anomalies to permanent failure of entire satellites. It is believed that the recent failure of the ANIK E1 satellite was caused by unusually high rates of high-energy electrons during the week preceding the problem. ANIK E1 and E2 previously experienced operational difficulties during a similar situation in January 1994.