A global analysis of the electrodynamic interactions between a space station and the ionospheric plasma environmentA general analysis of the electrodynamic interactions between a space station with two biased platforms and the ionospheric plasma is presented. This problem can be separated into a far-field problem, concerned with the electromagnetic interference surrounding the entire space station, and a near-field problem, concentrated on the interactions in the vicinity of the biased platforms. The far-field problem is solved by application of plasma fluid theory. The space station will generate a radiation field composed mainly of the Alfven waves. This far-field radiation depends on the details of the near-field current collection. Computer particle simulations were performed in the near-field of the biased platform to study the plasma flow field, the sheath structure and the current collection. Approximate analytical solutions to the near-field are also obtained. The far-field and near-field solutions are coupled to provide a global description of the electrodynamic interactions.
Document ID
19910034520
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Wang, J. (Massachusetts Inst. of Tech. Cambridge, MA, United States)
Hastings, D. E. (MIT Cambridge, MA, United States)