«Roscosmos» spoke about the conduct of a scientific experiment «Plasma Crystal-4» on the ISS by cosmonauts, in which low-temperature plasma is studied under conditions of microgravity. It contains not only electrons, ions and neutrals, but also heavily charged dust particles. In such a state, «plasma crystals» arise — ordered structures composed of charged dust particles.
«Studying their behavior will help deal with the problem of ubiquitous lunar dust. If you know the distribution of the electric potential around the landing module and the charges of moving dust particles, it becomes possible to create barrier electrostatic screens», — explains «Roscosmos».
The knowledge gained during the scientific experiment can be applied in plasma etching, sputtering in microelectronics, controlled thermonuclear fusion, rocket building and so on.