The interaction of spacecraft high voltage power systems with the space plasma environment

Experimental Results on Plasma Interactions with Large Surfaces at High Voltages

“…[3][4][5] In order to see clearly the effect of the insulator, the plain disk and the 61 cm dimar eter samples results are shown in Fig. 6.…”

Investigation of high voltage spacecraft system interactions with plasma environments

“…It has been shown that such holes in insulators can result in disproportionately large electron current collection. (12,13,14,16) Furthermore, there tests have Indicated that the collected currents may be proportional to the total insulator area. (12,14) This current collection phenomenon must be evaluated if high voltage systems are to be used in space.…”

“…The ground investigations have identified the basic interactions described above. (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15) The SPHINX satellite (an acroynm standing for Sace Plasma-High Voltage Interaction Experiment) to evaluate the interactions in the space environment was built and launched, (16) but was lost when the Titan-Centaur proof flight mission failed to orbit the payload in February 1974.…”