HYDROGEN-OXYGEN RELAXATION EFFECTS ON SPACECRAFT OPERATIONS IN THE 70 KM TO 100 KM ALTITUDE REGION.
Abstract
Hydrogen and oxygen reactions in the earth's atmosphere between 70 Km and 100 Km may at times serve as a relaxation mechanism for this region of the atmosphere. Energy stored in this region as a result of intense solar radiation, or energetic particle bombardment, may be rapidly released by hydrogen-oxygen reactions. Such reactions include ion-ion recombination and condensation of supersaturated mixtures of water or hydrogen peroxide vapors in the region. The possible nature of such mechanisms was considered in an attempt to estimate the effects on spacecraft performance in this altitude region. The basic question involved was whether the chemical and kinetic energy stored in hydrogen-oxygen complexes could materially affect spacecraft performance. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0710716
Entities
People
- Michael Thomas Gallagher
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School