Active Space Experiments with the Use of the Transport Spacecraft 'Progress' and Irkutsk IS Radar

摘要

A sequence of active space experiments was carried out in 2007-2009. Engine burns of orbital maneuvering subsystem of the transport spacecraft 'Progress' were used for creating disturbances in the ionosphere and for changing reflecting characteristics of the spacecraft. Amount of engine exhaust products was from 2 to 11kg. The Irkutsk Incoherent Scatter Radar was used for observing burns. Flow directions relative to the radar and amount of injected exhaust products were changed for each flight. Reflecting characteristics of 'Progress' and space-time disturbances of plasma parameters were investigated during the experiments. The exhaust stream was found out to produce significant electron density depletion (20-40%) when it was directed into the radar antenna diagram. According to the estimation of ionospheric 'hole' life-time, its average values are 10-15 minutes.