Detailed simulation of surface chemistry leading to spacecraft glow

Glow brightness around the Atmosphere Explorer satellite over the altitude range of 140-300 km is calculated using a multistep approach. The flow field around the satellite is simulated using the direct simulation Monte Carlo method. An overlay technique is used to simulate rare atmospheric species with acceptable statistical accuracy. Both nonreactive and reactive surface events are modeled by a system of ordinary differential equations. A simple analytical model is then used to convert a surface flux to glow brightness. A comprehensive set of production mechanisms is included in the calculation of glow brightness. The effects of satellite rotation are investigated and found to be most significant at higher altitudes. Sensitivity to the surface event parameters is assessed, and the critical production reaction for spacecraft glow is identified. The importance of the freestream concentration of nitric oxide is demonstrated. Very good agreement with experimental data is achieved. (Author)