SATELLITE MEASUREMENTS OF THE INTERACTION OF SURFACES WITH THE UPPER ATMOSPHERE.
Abstract
Results are given on rarefied gas-surface interaction measurements made on satellites orbiting in the upper atmosphere. Sputtering erosion of Au and Ag surfaces by N2 impacts at 9 eV was less than 50 A/yr at 200 km. From the sputtering data, a theoretical model of sputtering was developed. Tests of a new type of energy transfer probe, using temperature sensors, were made on the SNAPSHOT satellite. Results showed the probe can detect energy transfer rates of 20 micro W/cm squared. The probe can be used to measure satellite drag at altitudes up to 600 km where the atmospheric density is great enough to produce measurable heating. Satellite instrumentation for measuring electron ejection of 10 to the-9th A/cm squared from surfaces by neutral gas impacts was built and tested.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0824336
Entities
People
- D. Mckeown
- J. I. Valerio
- Jacob H. Miller
- M. G. Fox
Organizations
- General Dynamics