A plasma generator for laboratory simulation of space plasmas

Satellites in low earth orbit, typically from 200 km to 1000 km altitude, move through a plasma of density in the range of approximately 10/sup 4/ to 10/sup 6/ cm/sup -3/. A laboratory plasma generator has been designed and constructed to study the effects of such a plasma on dielectric surface charging, of relevance to satellite power systems. The plasma generator is described, and the experiments to be carried out with the plasma generator are discussed.<
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