Fundamental principles of hollow-cathode-discharge operations in space and the design of a rocket-borne demonstration

The issue of hollow-cathode operations in space is treated from the point of view of fundamental principles of plasma interactions and their control over currents involving the device, the spaceborne vehicle, and the ambient space plasma. Particular attention is given to collective plasma processes, the effects of the ambient magnetic field, and the high probability of plasma turbulence triggered by hallow cathode operations. The paper presents a rocket payload and experiment scenario designed for accommodation on a Black Brant booster, launched from a midlatitude site to an apogee in excess of 400 km.