Electromagnetic effects induced by the Space Station

Several mechanisms that can cause electric (E) and magnetic (B) field contaminations of the Space Station environment are described. The level of E and B fields generated by some of these mechanisms, such as the motion of the vehicle across the ambient magnetic field B₀ and the 20-kHz leakage currents and charges, can be controlled by proper design considerations. On the other hand, there are some mechanisms that are inherent in the interaction of large vehicles with the plasma, and their contributions to E and B fields probably cannon be controlled; these include plasma waves in the wake and ram directions and the effects of the volume current generated by the ionization of the neutrals. The interaction of high-voltage solar cell arrays with plasma is yet another rich source of E and B fields, and it is probably uncontrollable. Wherever possible, quantitative estimates of E and B are given