Accession Number:

AD0780620

Title:

High Altitude Effects Simulation (HAES) Program. Report No. 1. Rocket Launch of a SWIR Spectrometer into an Aurora (ICECAP 72).

Descriptive Note:

Environmental research papers,

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE CAMBRIDGE RESEARCH LABS L G HANSCOM FIELD MASS

Personal Author(s):

• Baker,Doran J.
• Wyatt,Clair L.
• Pendleton,William R. , Jr.
• Ulwick,James C.

Report Date:

1974-02-05

Pagination or Media Count:

54.0

Abstract:

An Astrobee D rocket A30.205-4 was launched at Poker Flat, Alaska, on 9 March 1972 at 1052 hours UT during a condition of Class IBC2 post-breakup auroral display. A near-zenith spectral radiance profile was obtained from 48.5 km to an apogee of 91.9 km on ascent, and from 91.9 km down to about 84.7 km on descent, using a circular variable-filter spectrometer. About 268 spectral scans were obtained during flight, covering the range from 1.4 to 5.0 micrometer at a resolution of about 4 per cent. The dominant emission feature was at 4.3 micrometer, which is attributed to the CO2 nu3 fundamental. The upward-viewed spectral radiance appeared to range from about 45 MRmicrometer at 48.5 km to less than 2 MRmicrometer at 92 km. A volume-emission-ratealtitude profile for the nu3 fundamental of CO2 is presented. The profile is based on a simple LTE model and neglects radiation transport. As a result, the model cannot be compared directly with the data. A more complete analysis of the problem is in progress. Author

Descriptors:

• *Infrared spectrometers
• *Atmospheric sounding
• *Aurorae
• Sounding rockets
• Payload
• Infrared spectra
• Emission spectra
• Carbon dioxide
• Arctic regions

Subject Categories:

• Atmospheric Physics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE