plasma crystal research on the international space station

Paper number

IAC-15,A2,6,1,x28493

Author

Dr. Peter Hofmann, OHB System AG - Munich, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Armin Stettner, OHB System AG - Munich, Germany

Coauthor

Mr. Roland Seurig, OHB System AG - Munich, Germany

Coauthor

Dr. Hubertus Thomas, DLR (German Aerospace Center), Germany

Year

2015

Abstract

Complex plasma research under microgravity conditions is one key research topic in fundamental ‎physics and material science on the International Space Station (ISS). Experiments started with PKE-‎Nefedov, launched 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 Joint Institute for High Temperatures of the Russian Academy of Science (JIHT) in Moscow with participation of RSC Energia (Russia) and former Kayser-Threde GmbH, now OHB System AG (Germany). It has been operated from the Russian segment on the ISS from 2001 to 2005. 

Next in the Plasma Crystal family was PK-3 Plus. PK-3 ‎Plus has been in operation on the ISS from December 2005 to July ‎‎2011. Twentyone (21) successful missions have been performed, until the facilitiy was switched-off. ‎Teaming, funding and responsibilities have been shared as for PKE-Nefedov between Germany and Russia. 

The most recent development is PK-4. PK-4 has been launched to the ISS end of 2014. First experiment will be performed in spring/summer 2015. PK-4 primarily uses high ‎voltage DC for plasma control, possesses a large experimental chamber with wide gas parameter ‎variations, particle manipulators and a sophisticated video observation system. PK-4 is part of the ‎European EPM rack accommodated in the Columbus module of the ISS. From a programmatic point of view PK-4 is a joint European/Russian project, with Russia providing ‎upload, download and crew resources.‎

The paper will give a short overview of the plasma crystal programme. In more detail the capabilities of the new PK-4 facility will be described and some first results will be presented.

Abstract document

IAC-15,A2,6,1,x28493.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-15,A2,6,1,x28493.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.