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A study of mesospheric rocket contrails and clouds produced by liquid-fueled rocketsChanges in the atmospheric composition, particularly through the condensation of rocket vehicle exhaust, caused by the flights of 400 heavy lift launch vehicles (HLLV) to carry crews and materials into space to build a satellite solar power system (SPS) were examined. Attention was given to the formation of mesospheric contrails and clouds. A one-dimensional model was used to formulate the photochemistry and vertical transport of water vapor, its nucleation into an ice cloud, and the microphysical development of the cloud. Considering one HLLV launch per day for a decade, it is projected that the upper atmosphere water vapor concentration would be increased by 10-20%, thereby augmenting the size and opacity of natural noctilucent clouds by 50%. No climatological consequences are foreseen from the clouds, although spectacular noctiluminescent cloud displays are thought to be possible.
Document ID
19830033300
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Turco, R. P.
(R&D Associates Marina del Rey, CA, United States)
Toon, O. B.
(R and D Associates Marina Del Rey, CA, United States)
Whitten, R. C.
(R and D Associates Marina Del Rey, CA, United States)
Keesee, R. G.
(R and D Associates Marina Del Rey, CA, United States)
Hollenbach, D.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1982
Publication Information
Publication: Space Solar Power Review
Volume: 3
Issue: 3, 19
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Accession Number
83A14518
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: DE-AI01-79ER-10035
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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