Modelling the interaction of multicomponent plasma with a CubeSat 1U microsatellite by the molecular dynamics method

Abstract

The results of modeling the interaction of a multicomponent thermal cosmic plasma consisting of oxygen ions, hydrogen and electrons with a charged CubeSat 1U microsatellite are considered. For the simulation was used method of molecular dynamics. The characteristic features of the spatial distribution of hydrogen and oxygen ions are considered. Near a positively charged spacecraft, there is a region of negative charge, which eliminate a satellite charge. Behind the satellite is the region of the “ion shadow” in which the concentration of ions is close to zero. The spatial features of the “ion shadow” depend on the type of ion, the temperature of the plasma, the velocity and charge of the satellite relative to the plasma. The process of formation of an “ion shadow” for a number of parameters is considered.