1963-: The Rocket Programme

In the mid sixties, it became possible to use rockets to carry out in-situ measurements of the ionosphere. The nature of the measurements depended on the instruments flown.

• Radio. By measuring radio signals transmitted from the ground to receivers on the rocket, it was possible to study the distribution of ionisation, especially in the lower portions of the ionosphere where conventional ionosondes were of limited use.
• Magnetometers. Electric currents in the E layer were also measured using magnetometers carried aloft by rockets launched from Sardinia, Woomera (Australia) and Thumba (India). The structure of Sporadic-E layers (thin, dense layers caused by metal ions of meteoric origin), the equatorial electojet and the distribution of currents during ionospheric storms were the main subjects of this research.
• Ultra-violet lamps By measuring the response of the atmosphere to ultra-violet, it was possible to make estimates of the distribution of atomic oxygen in the lower ionosphere. Atomic oxygen is important to the complex chemistry in these regions, but was almost impossible to measure before the advent of this technique.
• Spectrometers. Rockets were, and still are, used to study the intensity and and energy spectra of the energetic particles that produce the aurora borealis or Northern Lights. These experiments, carried aloft by Skylark, Petrel and Fulmar rockets have added greatly to our knowledge of this spectacular phenomenon.

Petrel Rocket Assembly

Skylark rocket assembly