MEASUREMENT OF THE INFRARED HORIZON OF THE EARTH.

Abstract

Radiance measurements of the Earth's horizon in three infrared spectral regions were made during two Aerobee rocket flights at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico. Preliminary results indicate equivalent blackbody radiation temperatures in the CO2 band (14.0 - 15.6 microns) varied from 231K to 239K; in the atmospheric window region (10.2 - 11.8 microns) from 205K to 287K; and in the rotational water vapor band (19.5 - 31.8 microns) from 206K to 239K. Numerous dropouts due to clouds are apparent in the atmospheric window and water vapor bands, while no such effect is evident in the CO2 band. The infrared radiometer, stellar aspect sensor and vehicle attitude control system are described, and actual traces of the horizon profiles and outputs from the stellar aspect system are included. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1966
Accession Number
AD0642928

Entities

People

  • A. P. D'agati
  • C. V. Cunniff
  • R. G. Walker

Organizations

  • Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Atmospheric Windows
  • Attitude Control Systems
  • Blackbody Radiation
  • Control Systems
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Measurement
  • New Mexico
  • Radiance
  • Radiation
  • Radiometers
  • Vapors
  • Water Vapor
  • Windows

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Spectroscopy.