Studying of space weather electromagnetic parameters of ionosphere in «Obstanovka 1-step» experiment on the Russian segment of the ISS

Abstract

The program and results of physical research in the international (5 countries) space experiment «The situation (1 stage)», conducted onboard the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS) in the period 27.02.2013 to 09.05.2015, is presented. The methods and scientific tasks of the experiment and the composition of the Plasma-wave complex based on the combined wave diagnostics method are described in detail, and designed to conduct geophysical studies through long-term monitoring measurements of the electromagnetic parameters of the ionosphere plasma and plasma-wave processes associated with the manifestation in the ionosphere of the solar-magnetosphere-ionosphere and ionosphere-atmosphere relationships, i. e., parameters of space weather. Studies in the near-surface zone of plasma-wave processes of interaction of an extra-large spacecraft, like ISS, with the ionosphere are necessary for both applied and fundamental geophysical studies. The electric and magnetic fields and currents measured at the surface of the ISS are determined by the parameters of the surrounding ionosphere plasma and the nature of the interaction of the materials on the surface with this medium. Key words: orbital space station, fundamental space research, ionosphere plasma, plasma-wave processes, electromagnetic fields and radiation, scientific instrument, space weather.

Spherical sensors with glassy carbon coatings for measurement of electric fields in near-Earth plasma on board satellites

“…Unlike modern space stations with astronauts on board, artificial satellites cannot be controlled, and individual elements and systems cannot be replaced, if problems arise during their use. In order to get a real assessment of the impact of the various space factors on the glassy carbon coatings, used to make the sensors, a technological experiment Block "DP-PM" was planned and carried out on board the International Space Station (ISS) within the framework of the international project "Obstanovka -1 step", from the program for Fundamental space research between RAS and BAS, in 2013-2015 28,30 .…”

“…Within the framework of the international project "Obstanovka -1 step", another experiment was established, with two identical devices DP1 and DP2, in the composition of the plasma wave complex PWC1 and PWC2 (Figure 5) 30 , using sensors with glassy carbon coating on their working surface. His set is a study of the dynamics of the potential of the station hull (ISS), depending on the solar and geomagnetic activity, the activities of the astronauts, especially during their work on its surface, during corrections of its orbit, as well as during jumping and undocking of spacecraft with the station 29,31 .…”