Shuttle contamination modeling :
Evolution of ionized shuttle exhaust /
Michael Heinemann.

Description

Main Author

Heinemann, Michael.

Related Names

U.S. Air Force Geophysics Laboratory.

Language(s)

English

Published

Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts : Air Force Geophysics Laboratory, Air Force Systems Command, United States Air Force, 1986.

Subjects

Space vehicles > Space vehicles / Contamination > Space vehicles / Contamination / Mathematical models.
Space plasmas.
Space environment.
Magnetic fields.
Geomagnetism.
Magnetic fields.
Geomagnetism.
Space vehicles > Space vehicles / Contamination > Space vehicles / Contamination / Mathematical models.
Space environment.
Space plasmas.

Summary

We consider the evolution of ionized Shuttle exhaust. While the source of ionization is not treated, the subsequent evolution can be understood in a certain amount of detail. The fundamental conclusion are that: (1) Low-density ions expand with neutral exhaust for about 100 m where they go through a rapid transition to collisionless behavior and then are swept away (in the Shuttle frame of reference) by the magnetic field, and radially away from the Shuttle: neither the ambient ionosphere nor the geomagnetic field can significantly change this behavior. The details of the evolution can be affected by low-level (approx. 0.1 mV/m) parallel electric fields. The mirror force associated with the geomagnetic field is to weak to have any effect.

Note

Research supported by the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory, United States Air Force, Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts.
Space Physics Division Project 7661.
ADA172276 (from http://www.dtic.mi).
"22 January 1986."

Physical Description

iii, 27 pages : illustrations ; 28 cm.

Locate a Print Version

Find in a library

Viewability