Numerical simulations for the current collection by a tethered-satellite in the ionosphere

The current collection by a tethered-satellite in the low earth orbit and the processes involved in this ionospheric phenomenon were investigated by numerical simulations. Initially a 2-D case was considered in the cylindrical geometry. The system solved numerically was comprised of a long cylindrical satellite, an arbitrary orientation of the ambient magnetic field, and a Maxwellian plasma flowing relative to the satellite. The relative orientation between the magnetic field and the plasma flow has been found to effect the current collection, with an enhancement achieved when the magnetic field and the plasma flow are perpendicular. Results presented include the plasma distributions, sheath structures, and the current-voltage characteristics. For a typical orbit in the ionosphere, the relative plasma flow is perpendicular to the magnetic field, and this case has been extensively studied