spacecraft-plasma interactions
Spacecraft-plasma Interactions
The interaction with the natural plasma environment with space-based technology is very complex and can lead to many problems and issues for the engineer. These interactions include spacecraft charging (internal and surface), communications issues, effects to on-board instrumentation, wake formation and issues relating to the use of electric propulsion and contamination backflow.
Our experience includes the development, maintenance and use plasma particle-in-cell codes to determine the interaction of the plasma environment on spacecraft systems. In addition we have experience designing and analysing electric propulsion systems such as gridded ion engines and FEEP thrusters.