Sounding rockets in AntarcticaSounding rockets are versatile tools for scientists studying the atmospheric region which is located above balloon altitudes but below orbital satellite altitudes. Three NASA Nike-Tomahawk sounding rockets were launched from Siple Station in Antarctica in an upper atmosphere physics experiment in the austral summer of 1980-81. The 110 kg payloads were carried to 200 km apogee altitudes in a coordinated project with Arcas rocket payloads and instrumented balloons. This Siple Station Expedition demonstrated the feasibility of launching large, near 1,000 kg, rocket systems from research stations in Antarctica. The remoteness of research stations in Antarctica and the severe environment are major considerations in planning rocket launching expeditions.
Document ID
19820064523
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Alford, G. C. (Thiokol Corp. Brigham City, UT, United States)
Cooper, G. W. (Thiokol Corp. Brigham City, UT, United States)
Peterson, N. E. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Special Payloads Div., Greenbelt, MD, United States)