+ 1970 News Releases (7.6 Mb PDF file) - NASA

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_TIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION
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483-5111 October 297 1970
MSC 70-118
HOUSTON_ TEXAS--Two sm_ll rockets_ carrying experiments to study
the infrared airglow at 50 niles altitude, will be launched for the NASA
Manned Spacecraft Center fram the U. S. Army White Sands Missile Range
during the first two weeks sf November.
Purpose of the twin launches is to provide a firm basis for scientific
studies of the atmosphere from either Space Station or Shuttle. Plans are
being considered to conduct similar airglow experiments from Space Station
or
Shuttle.
The airglow is a dim luminosity produced by chemical reactions among
atmospheric gases. The airglow can be seen near the horizon on clear
nights and is clearly visible to astronauts in orbit who view the glowing
layer
edge-on.
The experiment payloads weigh about 110 pounds each and will be
launched by Nike-Cajun two stage-rocket. The Nike-Cajun, a solid propellant
rocket is 21 feet tall and its two stages have a total thrust of 517000
pounds.
One of the rockets is to be launched at 4:30 p.m. to measure the
daytime airglow profile 7 a_d the other is to be launched at about 2:30 a.m.
to measure the night-time _.rofile. The airglow is the brightest i_ the
infrared part of the spectzum, where the measurements are to be made.
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