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    ESA > Our Activities > Human Spaceflight > Astrolab

    Complex plasma physics

    PKE-Nefedov experiment
    Sergei Krikalev with the PKE-Nefedov experiment during Expedition 1 mission

    PK-3+
    Plasma is the most disordered and ubiquitous state of matter in our Universe, being composed of charged electrons and ions. An important area of research within this field is the study of complex plasmas, which are plasmas enriched with micro-particles. This component adds special properties to the plasma, making it possible to undertake fundamental investigations under weightless conditions. In addition to the benefits of increased understanding of fundamental physics, this research has applications across many scientific disciplines such as plasma processing and fluid dynamics.

    The PK-3 Plus facility will carry out research on complex plasmas under weightless conditions over a broad range of fundamental parameters. The experiment was built under the responsibility of the German Aerospace Center, DLR and will replace the PK-3 (PKE-Nefedov) facility, which was in use on the ISS since March 2001.

    Last update: 18 June 2006

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