FIELD: measurement and space technologies. SUBSTANCE: panoramic test of air tightness of compartment of spacecraft is conducted in addition to locate leak by way glow of testing indication gas on outer surface of spacecraft exposed to action of ionizing factors of space environment initiating this glow. Predicted zones of disturbed air tightness for local indication are determined by excessive brightness of glow of indication gas in these zones that exceeds background level of glow. Crossed electric and magnetic fields are excited for local indication of testing gas in number of points of predicted zone over outer surface of compartment of spacecraft, pressure, glow of testing indication gas and parameters of electric field are measured in these points and point of leak is determined by maximum change of pressure, brightness of glow and parameters of electric field recorded in process of pressurization of compartment of spacecraft with testing indication gas. EFFECT: increased efficiency of procedure in location of point of leak on surface of spacecraft. 3 cl, 2 dwg
