The Solar Array Module Plasma Interactions Experiment (SAMPIE) is a shuttle based flight experiment scheduled for launch in early 1994. SAMPIE will investigate plasma interactions of high voltage space power systems in low earth orbit. Solar cell modules, representing several technologies, will be biased through a series of high voltages to characterize both arcing and plasma current collection. Other solar modules, specially modified in accordance with current theories of arcing and breakdown, will demonstrate the possibility of arc suppression. Finally, several test modules will be included to study the basic nature of these interactions. The science and technology goals for the project are defined in the Technical Requirements Document (TRD) which is presented here in its final form. The experiment is being developed at NASA LeRC in Cleveland, Ohio, and is sponsored by the NASA Office of Aeronautics and Space Technology (OAST). Hillard, G. Barry and Ferguson, Dale C. Glenn Research Center RTOP 506-48-2B...

NASAによるこの要件書は、宇宙に挑む人類の「意志の設計図」です。太陽電池とプラズマの相克を冷徹に描く本作の魅力は、事実の裏に潜む、一分の妥協も許されない極限の緊張感にあります。行間に刻まれた緻密な要件には、未知の物理現象を制御し、暗黒の淵に文明の灯を掲げようとする崇高な情熱が宿っています。 科学的真理の奥底には、自然の摂理と英知の調和を模索する現代の神話が息づいています。数式の連なりが読者の想像力の中で宇宙の静寂と閃光へ変わる時、私たちは不屈のフロンティア精神を目の当たりにするでしょう。これは理知という盾を携え、果てなき未知へ挑む探求者たちの魂の記録なのです。