Electrodynamic behavior of PMG-Delta

Abstract

The PMG-Delta experiment was launched on 26 June 1993 to test basic tether electrodynamic principles. The 500 m conducting tether deployed from the second stage of a Delta-rocket, and provided approx. 3 orbits of useful information. The tether was equipped at both ends with xenon hollow cathodes. With both cathodes operating, currents up to 0.3A could be driven in either direction. Plasma impedances outside the tether were as low as a few hundred ohms at peak current during daytime/perigee(200km). Large impedances (10-100 kohms) occurred at night/apogee(900km), or when cathode cycled off.