Sporadic Atom Layers

Scientific Goals

The purpose of this project is to bring in-situ diagnostics to bear on one of the most fascinating remote sensing discoveries of recent times: The Sporadic Atom Layers (SALs) observed in both the high and low latitude zones by the lidar technique. Although these layers have been recognized for nearly 10 years, no definitive theory exists for rapidly evolving metallic atom layers in general. The absence of an accepted theory is primarily due to the limitations of the remote sensing tools to adequately measure all the relevant parameters at once. The SAL payload is designed to provide just such a set of measurements on a sounding rocket.

DRAFT MRR Document 116 k post-script file (sans pics).

SAL Sequence of Events.

SAL sequence test data sheet Nominal operating values and tests to determine instrument health for NRL, UNH, Cornell, and USU instruments.

Nominal trajectory

2-Sigma low trajectory

2-Sigma high trajectory

SAL Design Review Document 63k gziped ps version, 187k ps file
Updated 9 June 1997--modified success criteria

UNH DR Document (36k text) Updated 20 November 1996.

Payload Drawings

Sketch of the entire (deployed) payload (10k) (as of 11 December 1996)
Download the PostScript version of the entire payload (53k)

Drawing of the GSFC Ion Mass Spectrometer being developed by Fred Herrero.

The SAL Team

Rockets

SPP