Upper atmosphere wind and temperature structure by Skylark rocket-grenade experiments at Woomera, Australia, 1957—59

Abstract

An account is presented of the first grenade experiments carried out at the Woomera rocket range during 1957-59. A description is given of the grenades and their rocket installation; and of the optical and acoustical instrumentation required to determine their burst positions and to find the times of travel of the sound waves to the ground. The method and theory of the experiment are outlined, and details of the firings and results obtained are presented. The accuracy of the measurements is discussed and comparisons made with simultaneous measurements by other methods. Determinations of wind speed and temperature (derived from the speed of sound) have been extended from the upper balloon limit to about 85 km, and a comparison between summer and winter conditions has been possible. Wind measurements have been extended to greater heights by means of the glow phenomenon. Pressure and density profiles have been determined and agree very closely with the COSPAR International Reference Atmosphere, 1961.