Optical Observations of Chemical Releases in the Upper Atmosphere During 1969, with Description of Instrument Used for Daytime Vapor-Trail Tracking.

Abstract

During 1969, a number of rocket payloads flown by AFCRL released clouds of chemical vapor, which were measured by triangulation and spectroscopy. This report discusses the results of spectroscopic measurements made on barium clouds and the spectrum of the luminous cloud produced by a release of diborane. A tracking instrument for detecting high-altitude vapor trails during the day is also described, together with the results of a successful field test. The results of these studies are relevant to current Air Force needs in the areas of electromagnetic wave propagation through a disturbed medium, accurate prediction of satellite orbits, and prediction of motion of nuclear debris. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 26, 1970
Accession Number
AD0717696

Entities

People

  • Gorton T. Best

Organizations

  • Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Altitude
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Condensation Trails
  • Electromagnetic Wave Propagation
  • Field Tests
  • High Altitude
  • Satellite Orbits
  • Spectra
  • Spectroscopy
  • Wave Propagation

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science
  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerosol Science/Aerosol Physics
  • Plasma Physics / Magnetohydrodynamics
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space