Real-Time Measurements of Reactive Chlorine and Carbon Dioxide in Rocket Plumes
Abstract
The objectives of this work were to measure reactive chlorine (Cl, ClO, and Cl2O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and to examine the mechanisms of ozone loss in the plumes of various rockets as part of an ongoing investigation of the impacts of rocket emissions on stratospheric ozone. This work has demonstrated that ozone losses in rocket plumes proceed at rates that can be explained by standard' ozone loss chemistry involving the ClO radical - chemistry that is analogous to that occurring in the winter polar vortices. This work has also helped to identify an error in a key kinetic parameten In combination with fast response measurements of Cl and ClO in the plume of STS-106, we have shown that calculations based on the revised rate constant for ClO+ClO, along with consideration of non-linear effects, can explain ozone loss rates within the uncertainties of the measurements.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 23, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA413330
Entities
People
- Darin W. Toohey
Organizations
- University of Colorado Boulder