UPPER ATMOSPHERE RESEARCH REPORT NO. XXⅧ PERFORMANCE OF A ROCKET-ROCKET 7.75-MC TRANSMITTING ANTENNA IN THE IONOSPHERE

摘要

The NRL method for measuring electron densities in the ionosphere requires the use of a rocket-borne low-frequency transmitting antenna. In-flight performance of this antenna was determined from internal measurements provided by the airborne instrumentation. From these data, the antenna voltage and impedance were determined as a function of altitude during rocket ascent and descent.nThe theoretical interpretation of the impedance variation observed suggests the presence of a disturbed region, possibly a gas bubble, pro-duced by the rocket and traveling with it. This local contamination of the medium must be given careful consideration whenever rocket-borne probe techniques are used to measure electron densities. The bubble does not introduce serious errors in measurements based upon the total rocket-to-ground propagation path. Recent modifications in the rocket-borne instrumentation used for the NRL propagation experiment are discussed in the appendix to the report.