Geophysics research on ISS Russian Segment

Molnyia-SM Experiment

Objective:

Investigation of optical emissions in the Earth atmosphere and ionosphere associated with thunderstorm and seismic activity.

Tasks:

• Development tests of methods for monitoring of thunderstorm activity, optical emissions of the Earth atmosphere and ionosphere under different geographic and geophysical conditions.
• Obtaining statistical data on global distribution of thunderstorm activity in lower and middle latitudes.
• Investigation of night sky luminescence over areas of seismic activity.

Science Hardware Used:

VFS-3M video photometry system LSO equipment	A unit of microcameras on a rotary bracket Electronics unit A set of cables
Support Equipment: EGE 1 experiments control unit Power supply unit A set of cables Brackets Consumables: Magneto-optical disks Removable hard disks

Expected Results:

• Magneto-optical disk with digital video recording of observations (no less than 10 minutes per one session).
• Ballistic data for control of measurement results (ISS attitude and altitude, geographic coordinates of a subsatellite point, angle of the Sun, angle of the Moon).
• Original and decoded telemetry information (on equipment state, operational modes and detected events of lightning).