OBSERVATION OF THE REFLECTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SPACECRAFT PLASMA
ENVIRONMENT DURING ENGINE FIRING IN SPACE USING GROUND-BASED
INSTRUMENTS (PLAZMA-PROGRESS)
Research Area: Near-Earth Space Environment
Expedition(s): 15- 22
Principal Investigator(s): ● Ekaterina M. Tverdokhlebova, PhD, Central Research
Institute for Machine Building , Korolev, Russia
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
Observation of the Reflective Characteristics of the Spacecraft
Plasma Environment during Engine Firing in Space Using Ground-
Based Instruments (Plazma-Progress) studies the plumes of
liquid-propellant engines as they are ionized by the effect of
solar radiation and atomic oxygen. As a result, a large-scale and
comparatively dense plasma environment occurs around the
International Space Station (ISS). This plasma environment
changes the radiophysical properties of the environment and its
dimensions correspond to the ISS dimensions.
EARTH BENEFITS
The results of Plazma-Progress answers contemporary
questions about space research, including the physics of near-
Earth space, the ionosphere and atmosphere, the study of solar-terrestrial links, the
development of research methods, and equipment in the field of geophysics.
SPACE BENEFITS
Data on small-scale irregularities that form in the near-spacecraft area when liquid-propellant
engines are fired will be used in studies of the ISS plasma environment and the electrical
discharge situation on the station’s exterior surface.
RESULTS
During the Plazma-Progress space experiment, using the only incoherent scatter radar in Russia
measurements were taken of the parameters of the ionospheric plasma environment and the
reflective characteristics of the Progress cargo transport vehicle when engines were and were
not firing. Computer and theoretical analysis was performed of the data obtained to determine
the parameters of the large-scale plasma formations that formed during Progress cargo
transport vehicle liquid-propellant engine firing. Another comparative analysis was performed
of the ISS and Progress cargo transport vehicle's reflective characteristics when the liquid-
propellant engines were and were not firing. Finally, comparative analysis was performed of the
ionospheric parameters, taken on a digital ionospheric recorder, in areas the Progress cargo
transport vehicle flew through while engines were and were not firing. Analysis of the collected
data is ongoing by ground research teams.
Liquid-propellant engine
plume direction. Roscosmos
image.