Plasma Cloud Behavior
Abstract
Participation in PLACES (Position Location And Communications Effects Simulations) and Midnight Sky field operations is described. In the former, four barium releases were made during the period 4 to 12 December 1980. The range of velocities experienced was greater than before at this location. The principal challenge was to perform real-time tracking of the ion cloud so as to predict a future aim point for use in targeting beacon and probe rockets. Recommendations for obtaining smoother tracking data involve determining the motion of a field line through the ion cloud rather than an indeterminate point in the cloud, making measurements at set intervals, and coordinating measurements by more than one observer. During Midnight Sky, 2 barium releases were made on 29 March 81 and 2 April 81. The first went westerly at 450 m/s while the second was nearly motionless. A small aircraft was positioned so as to take photographs up the magnetic field line during the second release. It is strongly urged that a complete dry run including all participants, communications links, and necessary operations be carried out before a test event.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA240000
Entities
People
- Lewis M. Linson
Organizations
- Leidos