Sensor Development Thermospheric Neutral Wind Measurements
Abstract
This report describes progress made in the development of novel new sensors to measure the thermospheric neutral wind velocity from space. The measurements depend upon the supersonic velocity of the spacecraft to determine a velocity vector from measurement of the kinetic energy of the gas along the sensor look direction and the angle of arrival of the gas with respect to that look direction. Two sensors are utilized; one to measure the kinetic energy of the gas and another to measure the arrival angle. The arrival angle is determined from the differential pressure in two adjacent chambers with small entrance apertures. Different pressures in each chamber result from different angles of attack with respect to the chamber apertures. The kinetic energy of the gas with respect to the sensor normal is measured by examining the ions resulting from ionization of the neutrals that flow, undisturbed through an ion source. During this period of activity flight sensors have been designed and constructed for operation as part of the Air Force C/NOFS mission. Pre-flight performance simulation and verification has also been undertaken.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 15, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA417309
Entities
People
- Roderick A. Heelis
Organizations
- University of Texas at Dallas