Introduction to the North Star Active Plasma-Jet Space Experiment

摘要

The North Star Active Plasma Experiment mission was designed to investigate the dynamics and interactions of highspeed plasma jets in the high-latitude ionosphere. The artificial nigh-speed plasma jets produced during the North Star mission are relevant to plasma jets produced by electric propulsion thrusters, to electrodynamics associated with spacecraft tethers, and to advance spacecraft charging technologies. In addition, this experiment is relevant to the study of basic plasma physics problems such as momentum coupling between different plasma populations and how this coupling relates to the propagation of Alfven waves and electron acceleration. Specifically, the goals of the North Star mission were to address issues relating to the propagation of high-speed plasma jets across magnetic field lines, investigate the role of the neutral atmosphere in secondary jet ionization processes, and assess the Critical Ionization Velocity hypothesis.