NASA NTRS · 19870057120
Space debris - Electrodynamic effects
Abstract
It is shown that electrodynamic forces play a crucial role in the orbital dynamics of the small Al2O3 particles that are injected into the terrestrial magnetosphere during solid rocket propellant burns. Due to the simplified model that is used to describe the plasma distribution in the magnetosphere, the present results are necessarily preliminary. Even so, it appears that the smallest particles (a = 0.1 micron) will be rapidly eliminated from the magnetosphere. Evaluation of the fate of the somewhat larger (a = 1 micron) particles awaits the construction of a more complete and realistic model of the magnetospheric plasma.
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Horanyi, M., Mendis, D. A.. 1986-01-01. Space debris - Electrodynamic effects. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19870057120
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