A previously flown rocket payload designed to measure atmospheric density in the thermosphere through Rayleigh backscatter of a dye laser signal was modified and refurbished. In its earlier field test the payload failed to provide any data, apparently because of a timing problem. Relaunched, the laser failed to operate because of a minor component failure. However, measured background intensities were orders of magnitude higher than anticipated. The source of the background signals has not been positively identified since the rocket aspect data have not been finalized. The most likely appears to be scattering from the earth's atmosphere illuminated by the below horizon sun.


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    Title :

    Rocketborne Laser Backscatter Experiment


    Contributors:
    O. Shepherd (author) / A. G. Hurd (author) / W. H. Sheehan (author) / R. D. Bucknam (author)

    Publication date :

    1979


    Size :

    180 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English