ROCKET-BORNE INSTRUMENTATION TO DETERMINE AIR DENSITY BY RAYLEIGH-SCATTERED LIGHT,
Abstract
Based on an earlier feasibility study, a rocket-borne system to measure air density by detecting Rayleigh-scattered light from an onboard light source was developed and flown on a Nike-Iroquois sounding rocket. The system utilized a high intensity mercury arc producing a modulating light beam. Light scattered from air molecules in a portion of the light beam beyond the rocket shock wave was viewed by an optical system. The light receiver output was amplified, synchronously detected, and was telemetered to ground by standard IRIG FM/FM telemetry. Details of the instrumentation are presented and preliminary flight results are discussed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0675607
Entities
People
- J. Irvin Swigart
- L. Carl Howlett
Organizations
- University of Utah