Near field predictions for the high power dipole antenna of the Space Shuttle WISP payload

There is great concern about the possible high levels of electromagnetic interference produced by the high-power dipole antenna on the Waves in Space Plasma (WISP) payload. The authors present the results of an initial analysis of the electric and magnetic field strengths in the Space Shuttle cargo bay. Methods of predicting electromagnetic field strengths in the Shuttle cargo bay are also discussed. The predicted results show that the presence of the Space Shuttle significantly changes the near-field of the dipole antenna in both the field distribution and the field intensity. Since the presence of the Shuttle orbiter significantly changes the input impedance of the WISP dipole antenna, it needs to be analyzed so that the antenna can be operated properly in the orbiter environment.<>