Electron Density and Temperature During the CHARGE-2B Sounding Rocket Mission

Abstract

The CHARGE-2B sounding rocket was launched from Poker Flats Research Range, Alaska, in March 1992 to investigate VLF electromagnetic radiation generated by a modulated electron beam in the ionosphere. A Langmuir probe on board the Rome Laboratory Diagnostic Free Flyer (DFF) sub-payload was the only source of local electron density and temperature data for the mission. The probe detected supra-thermal electrons generated by the beam injections. These observations were used to characterize the disturbed plasma region surrounding the beam-vehicle system. Spectral analysis of the probe current data reveals a low level of electron density fluctuation despite clear signatures of electrostatic beam emissions on the DFF wave observations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1997
Accession Number
ADA346495

Entities

People

  • James Ernstmeyer
  • Neil B. Myers
  • Timothy J. Tanigawa

Organizations

  • Rome Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altitude
  • Electron Beams
  • Electron Density
  • Electron Emission
  • Electrons
  • Emission
  • Frequency
  • Langmuir Probes
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Measurement
  • New York
  • Observation
  • Probes
  • Rockets
  • Sounding Rockets
  • Spacecraft
  • Telemetry

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Research.
  • Plasma Physics.
  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics