Electron Density Estimation by Electrostatic Probe for Plasma Generated Near the Spacecraft Returning to the Earth's Atmosphere

Abstract

     In this work, the electrostatic probe was utilized to estimate the density of electrons for plasma generated around reentry vehicles that have a geometrically blunt nose at high-altitude. The thermocouple uses to measured electron temperature, which is equal to the temperature of the gas, on board the MAC spacecraft. In the spacecraft backflow field, electrostatic probe measurements were taken at five separate regions 1 to 5 cm from the body of the spacecraft. Over an altitude range of 90 to 50 km with an electron density of 10⁸ to 10¹² 1/cm³, respectively. The measured electron temperature ranged from 0.05 to 0.9 electron volts and the maximum re-entry velocity of the spacecraft was about 7048 m/s in the re-entry experiment. The cooling using water jet in the flow field, the relationship between electron density, angle of attack changes, and the combustion products of the spacecraft's nose is also discussed.