Space plasma physics: phenomena induced by charged particle beams.

The effects of electron beam emissions from Spacelab were recorded with onboard diagnostic instruments. The variation of the Spacelab-shuttle potential with respect to the ambient plasma near the scientific air lock was investigated. Data on the waves and instabilities triggered by the electron beams are discussed. Within the electron gyrofrequency and electron plasma frequency range, strong signals were detected by both electric and magnetic antennas during the beam emissions. The frequencies of the emitted waves were compared to the characteristic plasma frequencies to enable mode identification.