Accession Number:

ADA355628

Title:

The Effects of Neutral Gas Release on Vehicle Charging: Experiment and Theory

Descriptive Note:

Interim rept.

Corporate Author:

NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON DC SPACEEXPERIMENT SECTION

Personal Author(s):

• Walker, D. N.
• Amatucci, W. E.
• Fernsler, R. F.
• Siefring, C. L.
• Keskinen, M. J.

Report Date:

1998-10-30

Pagination or Media Count:

29.0

Abstract:

This paper describes an experimental and theoretical research effort related to the mitigation of spacecraft charging by Neutral Gas Release NGR. Laboratory simulations which employ a charged aluminum cylinder containing a neutral gas release valve have verified the effectiveness of NGR as a means of mitigating high voltages under environmental conditions close to the natural space environment. The charging electronics were developed under the Space Experiment Aboard Rockets SPEAR program. The experiments were conducted in the large volume Space Physics Simulation Chamber SPSC at the Naval Research Laboratory. This Laboratory environment is similar to that encountered by LEO spacecraft, e.g., the Space Station, Shuttle, and high inclination satellites. The basis of the theoretical treatment is a simple Townsend discharge. In addition the nozzle release of neutral gas is modeled and a simple linear spatial dependence of the applied potential is assumed. This basic model produces quite good results when compared to the experiment.

Descriptors:

• *SPACECRAFT CHARGING
• LOW ORBIT TRAJECTORIES
• EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
• TEST FACILITIES
• SPACE SIMULATION CHAMBERS

Subject Categories:

• Ground Support Systems and Facilities for Space Vehicles

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE