Particle-in-cell simulations of the Cassini spacecraft's interaction with Saturn's ionosphere during the Grand Finale

A surprising and unexpected phenomenon observed during Cassini's Grand Finale was the spacecraft charging to positive potentials in Saturn's ionosphere. Here, the ionospheric plasma was depleted of free electrons with negatively charged ions and dust accumulating up to over 95 per cent of the negative charge density. To further understand the spacecraft-plasma interaction, we perform a three-dimensional Particle-In-Cell study of a model Cassini spacecraft immersed in plasma representative of Saturn's ionosphere. The simulations reveal complex interaction features such as electron wings and a highly structured wake containing spacecraft-scale vortices. The results show how a large negative ion concentration combined with a large negative to positive ion mass ratio is able to drive the spacecraft to the observed positive potentials. Despite the high electron depletions, the electron properties are found as a significant controlling factor for the spacecraft potential together with the magnetic field orientation which induces a potential gradient directed across Cassini's asymmetric body. This study reveals the global spacecraft interaction experienced by Cassini during the Grand Finale and how this is influenced by the unexpected negative ion and dust populations.

Automated summary

This study investigates the spacecraft-plasma interaction during Cassini's Grand Finale, revealing complex features like electron wings and spacecraft-scale vortices in the wake. The results show that a high concentration of negative ions and dust can drive the spacecraft to positive potentials, with electron properties and magnetic field orientation playing significant roles in determining the spacecraft potential.