Effects of rocket exhaust products in the thermosphere and ionosphere
This paper reviews the current state of our understanding of the problem of ionospheric F-layer depletions produced by chemical effects of the exhaust gases from large rockets, with particular emphasis on the Heavy Lift Launch Vehicles (HLLV) proposed for use in the construction of solar power satellites. The second stage engines deposit 9 x 10/sup 31/ H/sub 2/O and H/sub 2/ molecules between 74 and 124 km. Model computations show that they diffuse gradually into the ionospheric F region, where they lead to weak but widespread and persistent depletions of ionization and continuous production of H atoms. The orbit circularization burn deposits 9 x 10/sup 29/ exhaust molecules at about 480-km altitude. These react rapidly with the F2 region O/sup +/ ions, leading to a substantial (factor-of-three) reduction in plasma density, which extends over a 1000- by 2000-km region and persists for four to five hours. For purposes of computer model verification, we include a computation representing the Skylab I launch, for which observational data exist. The computations and data are compared, and the computer model is described.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos Scientific Lab., NM
- OSTI ID:
- 6082233
- Journal Information:
- Space Sol. Power Rev.; (United States), Vol. 1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Ionospheric effects of rocket exhaust products (HEAO-C, Skylab and SPS-HLLV)
Effects of rocket exhaust products in the thermosphere and ionosphere