scope:

This standard defines the requirements and recommendations for the design and test of RF components and equipment to achieve acceptable performance with respect to multipactor-free operation in service in space. The standard includes:

• verification planning requirements,

• definition of a route to conform to the requirements,

• design and test margin requirements,

• design and test requirements, and

• informative annexes that provide guidelines on the design and test processes.

This standard is intended to result in the effective design and verification of the multipactor performance of the equipment and consequently in a high confidence in achieving successful product operation.

This standard covers multipactor events occurring in all classes of RF satellite components and equipment at all frequency bands of interest in high vacuum conditions (pressure lower than 10^-5 hPa). Operation in single carrier CW and pulse modulated mode are included, as well as unmodulated multi-carrier operations. A detailed clause on secondary emission yield is also included.

This standard does not include breakdown processes caused by collisional processes, such as plasma formation.

This standard is applicable to all space missions.

This standard may be tailored for the specific characteristic and constrains of a space project in conformance with ECSS-S-ST-00.