Shuttle-era experiments in the area of plasma flow interactions with bodies in space

Abstract

A new experimental approach is discussed in general terms, that can be adopted in the Shuttle/Spacelab era starting in the 1980s for studies in the area of plasma flow interactions with bodies in space. The potential use of the Space Shuttle/Orbiter as a near Earth plasma laboratory for studies in the area of Space Plasma Physics and particularly in the area of Solar-System Plasmas is discussed. This new experimental approach holds great promise for studies in the Supersonic and sub-Alfvenic flow regime which has applications to the motion of natural satellites around their mother planets in the Solar-system (e.g. the satellite Io around the planet Jupiter). A well conceived experimental and theoretical program, can lead to a better physical understanding regarding the validity and range of applicability of using gas-dynamic, kinetic and fluid approaches in describing collisionless plasma flow interactions with bodies in a variety of flow regimes. In addition to the above scientific aspects of the program, significant technological advances can be achieved regarding the interaction of space probes in planetary atmospheres/ionospheres and the reliability of using various plasma diagnostic devices on board spacecraft and large space platforms.