Modification of spacecraft potentials by plasma emission

Abstract

The ion engine operations on Applied Technology Satellite 6 (ATS-6) altered the charge state of the spacecraft, changing the spacecraft surface potentials with respect to the distant plasmas. Plasma emission in quiet environments (plasma temperatures below 1 keV) caused the spacecraft potential to shift from a few volts positive to a few volts negative. A net ion current is emitted in such cases. The emission of a plasma or beam in energetic environments (plasma temperatures in the 5-10-keV range) in sunlight caused larger changes. Typical equilibrium potentials for ATS-6 in such environments were on the order of a hundred volts negative, with variations in potential across the spacecraft surface of comparable magnitude. Engine operations under such conditions raised the mainframe potential to near zero volts, and discharged the differential potentials on the dielectric surfaces. Plasma emission by the plasma bridge was an effective method of discharging kilovolt potentials in eclipse.