Recent results and developments for complex plasma experiments for the International Space Station

Paper number

IAC-08.B3.4.10

Author

Dr. Peter Hofmann, Kayser-Threde GmbH, Germany

Coauthor

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

Coauthor

Prof. Vladimir Fortov, Joint Institute for High Temperature, Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia

Coauthor

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

Coauthor

Prof. Oleg Petrov, Joint Institute for High Temperatures of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Russia

Coauthor

Mr. Herwig Hoefner, Max-Planck Institut, Germany

Coauthor

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

Coauthor

Dr. Markus Thoma, Max-Planck Institut, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Ralf Heise-Rotenburg, Kayser-Threde GmbH, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Roland Seurig, Kayser-Threde GmbH, Germany

Year

2008

Abstract

Complex plasma research under microgravity conditions is one of the present key research topics in fundamental physics and material science on the International Space Station (ISS). Experiments started with PKE-Nefedov, launched with PROGRESS M-44 as early as February 2001. PKE-Nefedov was a joint scientific experiment between the Max-Planck-Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) in Garching/Munich and the Institute for High Energy Densities (IHED) of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow. The facility was developped and built by MPE, IHED, RSC Energia and Kayser-Threde with national German funding (by DLR). Russia was responsible for funding launch, operations and training of PKE-Nefedov. The facility was operational from 2001 until 2005 and accommodated in the Russian segement of the ISS.

Next in the Plasma Crystal family is PK-3 Plus which is an improved version of PKE-Nefedov, developped and built accordingly. PK-3 Plus was launched in December 2005 and is in continuous operation on the ISS. Recent experimental sessions were undertaken in December 2007 and others are planned for April 2008.

The most recent development is PK-4. From a technical and programmatic point of view this is quite a different apparatus. Technically, PK-4 mainly uses high voltage DC for plasma control and possesses a rather large experimental chamber with wide gas parameter variations, particle manipulators as well as a sophisticated video observation system. The Phase C/D of PK-4 has been initiated in spring 2008 under ESA contract. From a programmatic point of view PK-4 still is a joint Russian/European project, now financed by ESA (C/D hardware) while Russia provides upload, download and crew resources. The PK-4 has been decided to be accommodated in the EPM-rack in the European ISS-Columbus module.

The paper will present some selected results from recent PK-3 Plus sessions from the ISS. It will further summarize the status of PK-4 and describe the changes between an accommodation in the Russian segment compared to accommodation in a Columbus Payload Rack.

Abstract document

IAC-08.B3.4.10.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.B3.4.10.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.