Theory suggests that electrical power can be generated in space by connecting a wire between two orbiting satellites and pulling it through the Earth's magnetic field. This device, called a electrodynamic tether, enables both the conversion of mechanical (orbital) energy into electrical energy and vice versa. In order to assure proper operation of this device, however, it is necessary to establish electrical contact between each end of the tether and the ambient space plasma. The device that will be used to make these connections is called a plasma contactor and research into its performance and operating characteristics is being undertaken.

The plasma contactor can also be utilized to alleviate electrical charge buildup on a spacecraft. Charging and subsequent uncontrolled discharging of a spacecraft can interfere with the spacecraft instrumentation and control systems and thus its mission. Current research is aimed at understanding the physics of the plasma contactor. The work involves measuring the contactor electrical noise production in an effort to assure it will not interfere with other spacecraft systems.