Complex Plasma Research on ISS: PK-3 Plus, PK-4 and Impact / Plasma Lab

Paper number

IAC-07-A2.6.06

Author

Dr. Peter Hofmann, Kayser-Threde GmbH, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Roland Seurig, Kayser-Threde GmbH, Germany

Coauthor

Prof. Gregor Morfill, Max-Planck-Institut for Extraterrestrial Physic, Germany

Coauthor

Dr. Hubertus Thomas, Max-Planck-Institut for Extraterrestrial Physic, Germany

Coauthor

Dr. Markus Thoma, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Herwig Hoefner, Germany

Coauthor

Prof. Vladimir Fortov, Institute for High Energy Densities, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia

Coauthor

Dr. Vladimir Molotkov, Institute for High Energy Densities, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia

Coauthor

Prof. Oleg Petrov, Institute for High Energy Densities, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia

Coauthor

Mr. Andrey Lipaev, Institute for High Energy Densities, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia

Year

2007

Abstract

The international research on ISS in complex plasma (also known as dusty plasma) under prolonged microgravity condition entered a new area in March 2001: The PKE-Nefedov facility (formerly called PKE-3) performed its first experiment in radio-frequency induced complex plasmas. This bilateral German-Russian research facility operated successfully in over 13 missions over 5 years until its internal resources were consumed – resulting so far in over 30 peer-reviewed scientific publications. In place of PKE-Nefedov is the next generation experiment apparatus PK-3 Plus with refined and more powerful instruments and diagnostics, which had its on-orbit commissioning in January 2006. While PK-3 Plus will further investigate the radio-frequency induced plasmas for the next few years the new European-Russian PK-4 research facility is under development for investigation of direct-current induced complex plasma. Because the highly successful series of stand-alone PK experiment facilities cover only a fraction of the overall complex plasma research field the IMPACT (International Multi-User Plasma, Atmospheric and Cosmic Dust Twin) Laboratory project was initiated.

IMPACT was foreseen as a space station double rack facility to be accommodated in Columbus. Due to the retirement of the Space Shuttle and in view of the long standing cooperations between Germany (ESA) and Russia in plasma research on the Russian ISS segment, accommodation sites for future plasma research inserts on the Russian segment have been investigated. A potential multi-purpose accommodation site titled "Plasma Lab" may be in the MLM module. MLM is a new Russian module scheduled for launch in 2009.

The paper will first present some key results from the PK-3 Plus sessions on the ISS in 2006 and 2007. Secondly, the paper will summarize the status of PK-4 and highlight future potential developments in this field.

Abstract document

IAC-07-A2.6.06.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-A2.6.06.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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