Electrostatic discharge mitigation for a first spacecraft operating in proximity to a second spacecraft

A system for mitigating electrostatic discharge between a first space vehicle and a second space vehicle, the system comprising:

• an active electrostatic discharge system situated on the first space vehicle, wherein the active electrostatic discharge system is configured to use an electric propulsion apparatus on the first space vehicle to reduce an electric potential between the first space vehicle and the second space vehicle by engulfing the first space vehicle, the second space vehicle, or both the first space vehicle and the second space vehicle with a plasma field.

A system on a first space vehicle for mitigating electrostatic discharge between the first space vehicle and a second space vehicle, the system comprising:

• an active electrostatic discharge system situated on the first space vehicle, wherein the active electrostatic discharge system is configured to use an electric propulsion apparatus on the first space vehicle to reduce an electric potential between the first space vehicle and the second space vehicle before contact by manipulating a plasma field of one of the first space vehicle, the second space vehicle, or both the first and second space vehicle;
• and
• a passive electrostatic discharge mitigation system situated on the first space vehicle, wherein the passive electrostatic discharge mitigation system comprises one or more resistors and one or more compliant members electrically connected to the one or more resistors, the one or more compliant members comprising a nonelectrically insulative material, wherein the passive electrostatic discharge mitigation system is configured to mitigate remaining electric potential between the first space vehicle and the second space vehicle upon contact.