Interactions between satellites and plasma

Abstract

The interactions of a spacecraft with the surrounding, streaming plasma were determined by the following effects: the fade out of the plasma in the wake of the probe, the emission of photoelectrons and secondary electrons, the differential charging of the surface of the probe, and a spatial potential distribution in the vicinity of the space probe. These effects and their importance are discussed and following plasma conditions are considered: (1) geostationary satellite orbits; (2) in the solar wind (HELIOS mission); and (3) in the ionosphere at an altitude of 250 km (the projected OSV on Spacelab). The fundamental models are reviewed.