Space Station Illuminates Dusty Plasmas

[Waspie_Dwarf]

Space Station Illuminates Dusty Plasmas For A Wide Range of Research

One of the most frequently-used physics laboratories on the International Space Station recently completed its final set of experiments. The Plasma Kristall Experiment (PK-3 Plus) lab, a Russian-German cooperation in operation since January 2006, has provided new insight into an unusual type of matter called plasma crystals. Though the experiment runs came to a close on June 14, the research continues to open an exciting world of potential technological spin-offs in medicine, agriculture and general science.

The unique environment of microgravity allows physicists to study how these crystals form inside dusty plasmas--a type of matter with unique properties found everywhere--in ways not possible on Earth.

Read more...