MEASUREMENTS OF SHEATH CURRENTS AND EQUILIBRIUM POTENTIAL ON THE EXPLORER VIII SATELLITE (1960 PSI)

Abstract

Experimental data were obtained from the Explorer VIII satellite on five parameters pertinent to the problem of the interaction of space vehicles with an ionized atmosphere. The five parameters are: photoemission current due to electrons emitted from the satellite surfaces as a result of solar radiation; electron and positive ion currents due to the diffusion of charged particles from the medium to the spacecraft; the vehicle potential relative to the medium, and the ambient electron temperature. Included in the experimental data is the aspect dependence of the photoemission and diffusion currents. On the basis of the observations, certain characteristics of the satellite's plasma sheath are postulated. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 31, 1961
Accession Number
AD0259683

Entities

People

  • J.l. Donley
  • R.e. Bourdeau

Organizations

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Charged Particles
  • Diffusion
  • Electrons
  • Experimental Data
  • Photoelectric Emission
  • Plasma Sheaths
  • Radiation
  • Solar Radiation
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Components
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster