Plasma observations of the active mother-daughter payload MAIMIK in the lower thermosphere
Abstract
Observations during the re-entry into the denser atmosphere of a mother-daughter payload equipped with a powerful electron gun are reported. The behaviour of the payload potential, the flux of returning electrons and the propagation of an HF signal differed drastically at heights below approx. 130 km from what was observed in the F-region; in particular the payload potential remained well below the accelerator voltage. A 10 MHz signal transmitted between daughter and mother showed variations both in phase and amplitude, whereas no such signatures were seen earlier in the flight when the two bodies were closer to each other. The most likely explanation is based on an increase in plasma density near the payloads in denser regions of the atmosphere. The dynamics of the effects are discussed in terms of ion plasma waves, although no firm conclusions can be drawn.
- Publication:
-
Planetary and Space Science
- Pub Date:
- March 1991
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0032-0633(91)90006-V
- Bibcode:
- 1991P&SS...39..453F
- Keywords:
-
- Atmospheric Density;
- Electron Guns;
- Payload Delivery (Sts);
- Plasma Diagnostics;
- Reentry Physics;
- Thermosphere;
- F Region;
- Signal Transmission;
- Geophysics