The hot plasma environment and floating potentials of an electron-beam-emitting rocket in the ionosphere

摘要: With an extensive array of particle sensors the plasma environment surrounding Echo III accelerator payload is studied. From measurements thermal ion spectrum, negative potentials referenced to unperturbed ionospheric are obtained. Multiple detectors determined electron population from a fraction eV up 40-keV energy. An intense extending energy injected electrons by produced when acceleration turned on. The energetic tail this returned principally directions in which beam was fired, with most fluxes coming atmosphere for downward injections beam. atmospheric-scattered and secondary called ‘quick echoes.’ Electrons less than several keV down detector threshold (0.1 eV) suprathermal component. These isotropically around during gun firings decay away approximately 32 ms. largest directional intensities component observed at higher altitudes. Quick echo also produce they encounter payload. mechanism discussed but remains unknown present time. hot bring sufficient charge neutralize it provided loss production on skin small, presumably owing positive floating potential injection. Since exists tens milliseconds after turn off, results driving 4 volts Secondary apparently prevents much larger turnoff immersed population. creating drive few negative. This important consideration discussing origin electrons, since electrical discharge mechanisms do not apply quick beams.