Abstract:
In this paper, firstly, the neutral atmospheric environment is discussed, together with the effects of the neutral atmosphere, including the atmospheric damping, the oxidation erosion, the contamination, and the glow. Then, the related simulation test techniques are reviewed, for experimental studies of the effect of the atmospheric damping, the atomic oxygen (AO) erosion, the space contamination, and the mechanism of the neutral atmosphere glow. At last, considering the requirements of future models and deep space exploration missions, the developing trend of the neutral atmosphere simulation test technology are discussed.