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Spectroscopic consequences of Papadopoulos' discharge model of spacecraft ram glows
Author(s) -
Kofsky I. L.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
radio science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1944-799X
pISSN - 0048-6604
DOI - 10.1029/rs019i002p00578
Subject(s) - spacecraft , ion , excited state , airglow , physics , plasma , space shuttle , electron , infrared , atomic physics , ultraviolet , excitation , environmental science , computational physics , atmospheric sciences , astronomy , optics , quantum mechanics
The gaseous and surface impact‐excited ultraviolet, visible, and infrared emissions that would result from plasma interactions near the windward directed surfaces of satellites orbiting in the earth's F region are reviewed. No process in the electrical discharge that would produce the intense orange‐red component of the glows seen on space shuttle and Atmospheric Explorer vehicles is identified. Spectroscopic and spatial‐distribution measurements to determine the contribution to the excitation of the collisionlessly energized suprathermal electrons and ions are suggested.