Shuttle Orbiter Charging in Polar Earth Orbit,

Abstract

Spacecraft in polar orbit are subject to charging by the intense electron stream that comprises the aurora. Charging is computed according to the Laframboise theory of plasma probes in which the variation of sheath thickness with potential is taken into account. In this environment spacecraft charge to potentials that depend on their size. It is shown that large spacecraft charge to higher potentials than small spacecraft. The shuttle orbiter being a large spacecraft, may charge to more than 6 kV passing through an intense beam of auroral electrons. Because of the deficiency of ambient ions in the near wake region, the rear of the vehicle will have the lowest threshold auroral current for charging and will charge to the highest potential. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 25, 1983
Accession Number
ADP002116

Entities

People

  • A. G. Rubin
  • A. L. Besse

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Buildings And Structures
  • Deficiencies
  • Earth Orbits
  • Electrons
  • Environment
  • Geophysics
  • Large Space Structures
  • Orbits
  • Polar Orbits
  • Research Facilities
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Thickness
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics
  • Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster