Modeling of the Geosynchronous Orbit Plasma Environment. Part 2. ATS-5 and ATS-6 Statistical Atlas
Abstract
A preliminary statistical analysis of the ATS-5 and ATS-6 geosynchronous plasma data has been carried out. Variations in the electron and ion currents and temperatures, as represented by the single Maxwellian component temperatures T(AVG) and T(RMS), are evaluated with respect to local time and geomagnetic activity. The potential on the satellites is similarly evaluated. Results indicate that the geosynchronous plasma cannot be adequately represented by a simple Maxwellian distribution and that, at the very least, a two component Maxwellian is necessary. The electron current and eclipse potential were found to vary strongly with K sub p while the temperatures only varied weakly. Local time variations in temperature and current were observed but these were outweighed by a significant local time variation in satellite potential which peaked near midnight. An explanation of these results is proposed in terms of a simple model of the time evolution of the plasma following an injection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 30, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA067018
Entities
People
- E. G. Mullen
- E. Ziemba
- Henry B. Garrett
- S. E. Deforest
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory