Introduction to the Space Environment

Abstract

Near-Earth Space is the principal space environment in the context of the Advanced Study Institute. It includes the (≅ 1000km thick) terrestrial atmosphere, in which most contemporary space activity takes place, and the magnetosphere. For planetary missions interplanetary space and the atmospheres of other planets are also important parts of the space environment. The near-earth space and planetary space environments are greatly influenced by the effects of solar particulate and electromagnetic radiation, and the effects of planetary gravitational and magnetic fields.