Flight measurements of low-velocity bow shock ultraviolet radiation

The ultraviolet spectrum, atomic oxygen 130.4-nm radiation intensity, total plasma density, and electron temperature of a Mach 12 bow shock were obtained by a sounding rocket experiment launched from the Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) on April 25, 1990 at 12:32 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST). A two-stage, Terrier Malamute rocket which attained an apogee of 720 km was used in this experiment. Optical data in the 200-400-nm wavelength range were obtained from 37 to 75 km at a vehicle velocity of 3.5 km/s at various locations on the 0.1016-m radius hemispherical dome. Electron probe and VUV OI 130.4-nm, measurements were obtained near nose cone ejection at 37 km. This article presents a discussion of the instruments used and the key data obtained.