Plasma Processes Caused by an Electron Beam Injected from a High Altitude Rocket Probe. Part 1: Neutralization Processes

摘要

Electrons were injected between 80 and 1514 km from a rocket in order to study neutralization processes in ionospheric and magnetospheric plasma. Payload potential, its spatial distribution and current-voltage characteristics were measured. The altitude dependence of these quantities is presented. The current and energy distribution of electrons neutralizing the payload charge were measured and optical and radio emissions were observed during beam injection. It is shown that below 130 km complete charge neutralization is achieved. Between 150 and 450 km the value of the payload potential is close to the gun voltage. Above 450 km anomalously high payload potentials are measured during pulses.