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

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 flu x curve of the model by Grun et al. (1985, Icarus 62, 244-272.) is modified by an analytical multiplication factor in order to approximate the meteoro id flux as predicted by the five-populations-model from Divine (1993, J. Ge ophys. Res. 98(E9), 17,029 -17,048.) The impact velocity distribution as a function of heliocentric distance is described by triangular and Weibull di stributions. The analytical model is applied to calculate the probability t hat an interferometer like DARWIN or LISA may temporarily be disturbed. Als o the particle flux on the Galileo, Ulysses and Cassini spacecraft is calcu lated and compared with measurements and predictions by other meteoroid flu x models like METEM. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.