Lidar measurement of TITAN IV rocket exhaust plumes at stratospheric heights

Phan D. Dao; Jerry A. Gelbwachs; Robert Farley; Richard C. Garner; Philip Soletsky; Gilbert Davidson

doi:10.1117/12.258156

12 November 1996 Lidar measurement of TITAN IV rocket exhaust plumes at stratospheric heights

Phan D. Dao, Jerry A. Gelbwachs, Robert Farley, Richard C. Garner, Philip Soletsky, Gilbert Davidson

Proceedings Volume 2833, Application of Lidar to Current Atmospheric Topics; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.258156
Event: SPIE's 1996 International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1996, Denver, CO, United States

Abstract

Concern exists over the impact of the emissions of large rockets powered by solid motors upon the ozone layer. A scanning lidar, operating at 532, 355 and 308 nm, has been developed to address this issue. We report the first lidar observations of the rocket exhaust plume in the stratosphere. Over 500 sets of lidar profiles were collected in three campaigns covering Titan IV K-21 (Nov 6, '95), Space Shuttle STS-76 (Mar 22, '96) and Titan IV K-16 (Apr 24, '96). Thin particle layers were observed in the 18 - 43 km altitude region for up to three hours after launch. Plume dimensions and dispersion rate were inferred from the observation. The plume thickness was measured to be less than 250 meters. Backscattering signals dependence on wavelengths were analyzed showing a weakening trend with time.

Citation Download Citation

Phan D. Dao, Jerry A. Gelbwachs, Robert Farley, Richard C. Garner, Philip Soletsky, and Gilbert Davidson "Lidar measurement of TITAN IV rocket exhaust plumes at stratospheric heights", Proc. SPIE 2833, Application of Lidar to Current Atmospheric Topics, (12 November 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.258156

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