Description
Experiments under microgravity conditions are a cornerstone of complex (dusty) plasma research. In microgravity, large particle systems can be generated and studied, without sedimentation overshadowing particle interaction and dynamics.
Thus, a series of facilities (PKE-Nefedov, PK-3 Plus, PK-4) were and are operated onboard the International Space Station since the early 2000s, providing dedicated research platforms.
An international science definition team (SDT) recently identified so-far unanswered scientific questions from the areas statistical physics, phase transitions, nonlinear dynamics, active matter, planetary physics and the use of particles as diagnostics in the plasma. The SDT compiled an extensive research program for the future facility COMPACT: an international, multi-user facility for the community with strong support by multiple agencies (DLR, NASA, ESA, NSF).
COMPACT offers a wide range of experimental capabilities such as manipulation of particles by laser, UV-light, or low-frequency electric signals, a pulsed rf discharge mode, a multi-electrode system, and a variable discharge volume. Advanced optical diagnostics include a stereoscopic camera setup for 3D particle diagnostics, and spatially and spectrally resolved plasma glow observation.
A phase B study (preliminary definition) was finished successfully in early 2026, with major components identified and tested. We will present the scientific program and project status, alongside with first scientific results obtained during preliminary investigations using the COMPACT hardware on parabolic flight campaigns.
This work is funded by DLR/BMWi FKZ 50WM2161, FKZ 50WM2561.