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Current collection and current closure in the Tethered Satellite SystemCurrent collection and closure-path modeling are examined analytically with respect to the Tethered Satellite System (TSS). A particle-in cell code is compared with a one-dimensional unmagnetized fluid code to model the behavior of a positively charged satellite in the ionosphere. The morphology of the sheath and the sheath-region processes are thus examined, and the influence of ions leaving the sheath region is found to cause the attraction of an electron current that is 40 times greater than the steady state value. The enhancement is transient and enhances the acceleration of the electrons in the sheath. A set of modified MHD equations, including those for ion inertia, quasineutrality, and electron drift, is employed to model TSS current closure. Whistler modes are found to exist and can be excited as the TSS passes through the ionosphere. Important conclusions include a significant fluctuation level in the steady state sheath, an ion void which affects the electron population, and some long-lived electrons trapped in the settled sheath with respect to two directions.
Document ID
19910058913
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Drobot, Adam
(Science Applications International Corp. McLean, VA, United States)
Satyanarayana, P.
(Science Applications International Corp. McLean, VA, United States)
Chang, Chia-Lie
(Science Applications International Corp. McLean, VA, United States)
Tsang, Kang
(Science Applications International Corp. McLean, VA, United States)
Papadopoulos, Dennis
(Science Applications International Corp. McLean, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1991
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 91-1476
Accession Number
91A43536
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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