Russian and German scientists are preparing equipment for performing “Plasma Crystal 3” science experiment to be sent to the International Space Station.
      
      Director of Joint Institute’s for High Temperature Studies Department of Thermal Physics of Extreme Conditions (Russian Academy of Sciences) told “Science and Life” that “Plasma Crystal 3” project is for 2-3 years and starts this December. “Progress” cargo vehicle is scheduled for December 21, 2005. The ship will deliver scientific equipment to the ISS.
      
      The “Plasma Crystal 3” experiment has been designed by Russian Institute of Thermal Physics of Extreme Conditions in collaboration with German Max Planck Institute of Extraterrestrial Physics. These scientific institutions fruitfully collaborate within this project for several years. First experimental dust and plasma crystals appeared in 1998 in the PK-1 unit operated by two Russian astronauts on the “Mir” space station.
      
      Scientists believe “Plasma Crystal” project will help to design an “exhauster” for direct detoxication of radioactive releases, when nuclear accidents bring them to the atmosphere. Another goal of the project is developing powerful compact nuclear energy sources for space ships.
      
      The hallmark of the forthcoming stage of “Plasma Crystal 3” project is specially modified equipment for obtaining dusty plasma and dust and plasma objects with extended characteristics. Moreover, said dust and plasma objects will have homogeneous structure and contain particles of various sizes. Scientists and experts from Max Planck Institute of Extraterrestrial Physics, German Space Agency and High Temperature Studies Department of Thermal Physics of Extreme Conditions (Russian Academy of Sciences) will work at Baikonur space centre till the end of November.
      
      Science & Life