| Seminar Announcement |
Effect of Plasma Discharges on Spacecraft:
An Experimental View
Timothy P. Graves
Electric Propulsion and Plasma Science Section
The Aerospace Corporation
2310 E. El Segundo Blvd.
El Segundo, CA 90245-4609
Successful satellite design and operation requires proper
understanding of the many plasma phenomena associated with
spaceflight. Various types of plasma discharges affect satellite
components on-orbit, and in some cases, they can lead to critical
failures in susceptible hardware. Some key examples of these
phenomena are electrostatic discharge (ESD), plasma propulsion
effects, and RF/microwave plasma discharges. The Aerospace
Corporation's Electric Propulsion and Plasma Science Section continues
to experimentally research these areas to improve current
understanding and provide necessary data to avoid potential satellite
failures. In this talk, the plasma physics and mitigation strategies
associated with the aforementioned plasma discharges will be
discussed. Additionally, the unique experimental capabilities and
techniques developed in Aerospace laboratories will be described with
specific emphasis on how the data are used to improve satellite design
and operation. Recent experiments include laboratory ESD formation
and measurement on solar panel coupons, NASA's Evolutionary Xenon
Thruster (NEXT) plume measurements, satellite communication and plasma
thruster electromagnetic interference, and the effect of surface
contamination on multipactor discharge.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
3:30 PM
Stauffer Science Lecture Hall, Room 100 (SLH 100)
Refreshments will be served at 3:15 pm.
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