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 was obtained by a sounding rocket experiment launched from the Wallops Flight Facility on April 25, 1990, at 12:32 AM 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/sec. Electron probe and VUV OI 130.4-nm measurements were obtained near nose cone ejection at 37 km.