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)
Shuttle Orbiter Charging in Polar Earth Orbit
1983
11 pages
Report
Keine Angabe
Englisch
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