The presence of high neutral densities at low altitudes and/or during thruster firings is known to modify the spacecraft potential during active electron beam injection. Two-dimensional (three velocity) particle simulations are used to investigate the ionization processes including the neutral density required, the modification of the spacecraft potential, beam profile and spatial distribution of the return current into the spacecraft. Three processes are identified: (1) beam-induced ionization, (2) vehicle-induced ionization, and (3) beam plasma discharge. Only in the first two cases does the beam propagate away with little distortion.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Effects of neutral gas releases on electron beam injection from electrically tethered spacecraft


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    1990-12-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English


    Keywords :


    Relativistic electron beam injection from spacecraft: performance and applications

    Neubert, T. / Gilchrist, B. E. / International Council of Scientific Unions | British Library Conference Proceedings | 2004




    Formation flying with tethered spacecraft

    Tragesser, Steven | AIAA | 2000


    Attitude control of tethered spacecraft

    Lemke, L. G. / Powell, J. D. / He, X. | NTRS | 1986