High-voltage space tether for particle scattering in Earth´s radiation belts

The above calculations show that the loss rate dN(E)/dt depends on the distribution function of the trapped particles and applied potential difference. This allows to use the scattering center for the measurements of high energy particle distribution function. If potential difference can be varied in a wide range, both cold plasma and high energy particles´ parameters can be measured with the same space tethers used as a diagnostic probe. For this purpose tunable high-voltage 0.1 MV ≤ φp ≤ 2 MV, low power 0.1 KW ≤ P ≤ 10 KW, compact (weight ≤ 1 T) DC generator is needed. Some other opportunities appear in AC case.