Modeling a VLF Antenna In Space Plasma Using Nascap-2k

Abstract

The Wave Particle Interaction Experiment (WPIx) on the DSX (Demonstration and Science eXperiments) mission was launched on June 25, 2019, and preflight modelling using Nascap2k was presented at the ICOPS 2019, on June 24, 2019. WPIx broadcasts VLF (Very Low Frequency) into the MEO (Medium Earth Orbit) environment using an 80 meter tip-to-tip dipole antenna driven with kilovolt potentials. The spacecraft-plasma interactions code Nascap-2k is used to model the dynamic plasma sheath during VLF transmission.