Roscosmos announced that the ISS cosmonauts are conducting the scientific experiment "Plasma Crystal-4", in which low-temperature plasma is studied in microgravity conditions. In addition to electrons, ions, and neutrals, it contains highly charged dust particles. In this state, "plasma crystals" arise — ordered structures of charged dust particles.

Studying their behavior will help to cope with the problem of ubiquitous lunar dust. If we know the distribution of the electric potential around the landing module and the charges of moving dust particles, then it becomes possible to create barrier electrostatic shields," Roscosmos explains.

The knowledge gained during the scientific experiment can be applied in plasma etching, sputtering in microelectronics, controlled thermonuclear fusion, rocket engineering, etc.

Sources
Roskosmos

Now on home