Construction and results from an aerosol detector for middle atmosphere research

Paper number

IAC-06-B1.P.1.09

Author

Mr. Lars Helge Surdal, Narvik University College, Norway

Year

2006

Abstract

This paper presents the approach for constructing an aerosol detector for middle atmosphere research. The paper also presents the results from the actual rocket-flight that it was used on. This detector measures the amount of positive and negative charged dust particles in the mesospause (80 to 90 km) at a rate of 3x4300 samples/sec while the rocket travels at a speed of 1 km/sec. The probe was successfully launched from Andoya Rocket Range in Norway in the summer of 2006, as a part of the ESPRIT-project payload, which was an international project involving Norwegian educational institutions and Pennsylvania State University in USA. This is the first time there have been used logarithmic amplifiers in this type electronics. It is also the physical biggest probe that has been launched for over ten years from Norway. This gave us more charged particles inside the instrument, which lead to more particles to do measurements on.
By studying the results from an similar experiment that were conducted ten years ago, we have now used new, modern and highly specialized electronic components for this experiment, as we know what to expect in term of ranges the sensors have to cover.
The paper starts of by describing the construction of the detectors casing and mechanical parts, as well as the electronic circuitry. Regarding the dataflow, it describes how it is brought through the entire system from the detector at the top, to the receiver at the bottom.
The probe were placed on the very top of the rocket, this was to let the incoming charged dust particles enter the probe unblocked. The rockets behaviour during the flight was also very crucial, but it was within the predefined limits, which made the data’s reliable and accurate. 
The results are presented as a comparison of the thickness/strength of the Polar Mesopheric Summer Echoes layer (PMSE), Noctilucent Clouds (NLC) and the current that was measured from the impacting dust particles. The scientific conditions surrounding the launch were good, which means that it was launched during heavy ongoing polar mesosphere summer echoes (PMSE). The paper also describes how the data’s were processed. In closing, it describes future suggestions for improving the detectors accuracy.

Abstract document

IAC-06-B1.P.1.09.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-B1.P.1.09.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.