A Method of Atmospheric Density Measurements During Space Shuttle Entry Using Ultraviolet-Laser Rayleigh Scattering

By: Nasa, National Aeronautics and Space Adm

An analytical study and its experimental verification are described which show the performance capabilities and the hardware requirements of a method for measuring atmospheric density along the Space Shuttle flightpath during entry. Using onboard instrumentation, the technique relies on Rayleigh scattering of light from a pulsed ArF excimer laser operating at a wavelength of 193 nm. The method is shown to be capable of providing density measurements with an uncertainty of less than 1 percent and with a spatial resolution along the flightpath of 1 km, over an altitude range from 50 to 90 km. Experimental verification of the signal linearity and the expected signal-to-noise ratios is demonstrated in a simulation facility at conditions that duplicate the signal levels of the flight environment. Mckenzie, Robert L. Ames Research Center RTOP 505-40-4...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1729055834
• ISBN13: 9781729055830
• Release Date: January 1
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 38 Pages
• Weight: 0.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 8.5" x 11.0"