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Abstract: The most significant results from small scientific satellites and from the space shuttle mission STS-3 regarding body-plasma interactions are presented and discussed. The causes for the above information being meagre and fragmentary are given. The research avenues to be followed in the future in order to correct this situation are mentioned, including practical ways to achieve this goal. 1. GENERAL BACKGROUND The interaction of a spacecraft (satellite, space shuttle, space station) with its environmental space plasma is a fundamental area of research in space plasma physics and in planetary geophysics. The interest in this area stems from both the science and application points of view. From the general scientific point of view, we are dealing with the complex of phenomena and physical processes involved in the "electrodynamic interaction between an obstacle and its environmental rarefied plasma." Examples of such interactions in the solar system are the interaction