Physical science and Earth observation

PROMISS will investigate the growth processes of proteins during weightless conditions. The experiment will use special techniques, which produce efficient protein growth during weightlessness. The primary objective of the experiment is to see how growth conditions influence the quality of the crystals. Advanced imaging methods such as digital holography will be used. Principal Investigator: I. Zegers (Belgium).

Sprites are a meteorological phenomenon discovered in 1989, which have the appearance of a luminous glow above lightning storms between 50and 90 kilometres above the Earth’s surface. Sprites have a duration of only a few milliseconds and are caused by powerful lightning strikes, which affect the electrical field in the ionosphere (part of the upper atmosphere). The aim of this experiment is to observe sprites during storms, determine the energy emitted by them (and of so-called elves, which are similar to sprites), and compare this to nightly emissions of lightning. Scientists also plan to compile statistical data to determine the frequency of sprites and their origin. Principal Investigator: E. Blanc (France).