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Analysis of Static Spacecraft Floating Potential at Low Earth Orbit (LEO)Spacecraft floating potential is the charge on the external surfaces of orbiting spacecraft relative to the space. Charging is caused by unequal negative and positive currents to spacecraft surfaces. The charging process continues until the accelerated particles can be collected rapidly enough to balance the currents at which point the spacecraft has reached its equilibrium or floating potential. In low inclination. Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the collection of positive ion and negative electrons. in a particular direction. are typically not equal. The level of charging required for equilibrium to be established is influenced by the characteristics of the ambient plasma environment. by the spacecraft motion, and by the geometry of the spacecraft. Using the kinetic theory, a statistical approach for studying the interaction is developed. The approach used to study the spacecraft floating potential depends on which phenomena are being applied. and on the properties of the plasma. especially the density and temperature. The results from kinetic theory derivation are applied to determine the charging level and the electric potential distribution at an infinite flat plate perpendicular to a streaming plasma using finite-difference scheme.
Document ID
19990107364
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Herr, Joel L.
(Sverdrup Technology, Inc. Huntsville, AL United States)
Hwang, K. S.
(Computer Sciences Corp. Huntsville, AL United States)
Wu, S. T.
(Alabama Univ. Huntsville, AL United States)
Date Acquired
August 19, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1995
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
AIAA Paper 95-1943
Meeting Information
Meeting: Plasmadynamics and Lasers
Location: San Diego, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: June 19, 1995
End Date: June 22, 1995
Sponsors: American Inst. of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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