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Uses of tethered atmospheric research probesIn situ measurements in the lower thermosphere are rare because of the difficulty of reaching these altitudes with conventional instrument platforms. The emerging technology of tethered satellites as a means to probe these altitudes from above has matured to the point that a flight program is planned to verify the operational performance of a low-cost deployer mechanism for tethered satellites, and to demonstrate a basic understanding of the dynamics of tethered satellite deployment. With such operational developments at hand, it is appropriate to review some of the potential applications of tethered measurement platforms for acquiring in situ data in the upper atmosphere. This paper focuses on downward-deployed tethered satellite measurements of interest to atmospheric scientists and to hypersonic aerodynamicists, and discusses ways in which this technology may be able to support selected long-range research programs currently in progress or in various stages of pre-flight development. The intent is to illustrate for the potential user community some of the unique advantages of tethered measurement platform technology now under development, and to stimulate creative thinking about ways in which this new capability may be used in support of future research programs.
Document ID
19910036899
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Deloach, Richard
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1991
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 91-0533
Accession Number
91A21522
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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