High-current plasma contactor neutralizer systemA plasma-contactor neutralizer system is described, for the stabilizing the Orbiter's potential during flights of the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science missions. The plasma contactor neutralizer will include a Xe plasma source that can provide steady-state ion-emission currents of up to 1.5 A. The Orbiter's potential will be maintained near that of the surrounding space plasma during electron-beam accelerator firings through a combination of ion emission from the Xe plasma source and electron collection from the ambient space plasma. Configuration diagrams and block diagrams are presented along with the performance characteristics of the system.
Document ID
19890053668
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Beattie, J. R. (Hughes Research Labs. Malibu, CA, United States)
Williamson, W. S. (Hughes Research Labs. Malibu, CA, United States)
Matossian, J. N. (Hughes Research Labs. Malibu, CA, United States)
Vourgourakis, E. J. (Hughes Research Laboratories Malibu, CA, United States)
Burch, J. L. (Southwest Research Institute San Antonio, TX, United States)