A Model for Satellite Electric Drag Calculations.

G. E. Modesitt

ResearchPublished 1962

A study of charge drag on a satellite due to the interactions between the satellite and charged particles in the ionized regions about the earth. The classical energy-loss theory is discussed, and the inadequacy of the linear approximation is demonstrated. From a phenomenological model for the medium, a generalized Debye length is calculated and used as the cutoff parameter for coulomb scattering. The results are applied to the West Ford needles and show a linear dependence of drag on needle potential. 35 pp

Document Details

  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Web Only
  • Year: 1962
  • Pages: 35
  • Document Number: RM-3145-PR

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Modesitt, G. E., A Model for Satellite Electric Drag Calculations. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1962. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_memoranda/RM3145.html.
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