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Kasprzak, W. T.

Publications and source records attributed to Kasprzak, W. T..

44 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

Local time variation of equatorial thermospheric composition determined by the San Marco 3 Nace

The results of the Neutral Atmospheric Composition Experiment (Nace) on the Italian San Marco 3 satellite are analyzed. The analysis provides a comprehensive description of the daily variations in the densities of O, N2, Ar, and He in composition of the lower thermosphere, and also indicates that transport processes (possibly occurring elsewhere in the atmosphere) play an important part in the daily variation of the thermospheric composition at altitudes between 220 and 250 km.

Newton, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Equatorial composition in the 137- to 225-km region from the San Marco 3 mass spectrometer

The neutral atmospheric composition experiment (Nace) carried by the San Marco 3 (SM 3) satellite measured the equatorial atmospheric composition during the reentry period of Nov. 21-28, 1971. The mass density and molecular nitrogen density measured by the Nace are in agreement with values measured by rocket experiments and inferred from satellite experiments. The average total oxygen content measured by Nace is 30% below the value suggested by von Zahn at 150-km altitude. When it is assumed that his value for the molecular oxygen density at 150 km represents averaged rocket results applicable to the equatorial thermosphere, the Nace total oxygen content results in an atomic oxygen concentration comparable to the mean value of Cira (1965). The Nace helium measurements interpreted in terms of an altitude profile have an altitude distribution similar to that of molecular nitrogen below 165 km.

Newton, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1973

The San Marco 3 neutral atmosphere composition experiment

The experimental instrumentation of the San Marco 3 satellite is described along with the calibration and operation. The instrumentation for the following experiments was included: an air density experiment for measuring the instantaneous drag force, and thus the neutral particle total mass density; a neutral atmosphere composition experiment for measuring the densities of helium, atomic and molecular oxygen, molecular nitrogen and argon; and a neutral atmosphere temperature experiment to determine the gas kinetic temperature by measuring molecular nitrogen density variations in an orificed spherical chamber as a function of angle of attack.

Pelz, D. T.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Equatorial thermospheric composition and its variations.

The neutral atmospheric composition experiment on the San Marco 3 satellite has measured the composition of the equatorial atmosphere from Apr. 29 to Nov. 29, 1971. Preliminary results on the diurnal variation of atmospheric composition from May 19 to June 30 at 225 km altitude are presented. The diurnal variation of helium is seen to reach its maximum near 0800 hours and its minimum in the late afternoon, in contrast to the behavior of molecular nitrogen and argon. The atomic oxygen densities show smaller variations than those of the other gases. The mass densities calculated from the composition data agree well with those determined from the in situ drag force measurements and from orbital decay measurements.

Newton, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Equatorial thermospheric composition and its variations

The neutral atmospheric composition experiment on the San Marco - 3 satellite has measured the composition of the equatorial atmosphere from 29 April to 29 November 1971. Preliminary results on the diurnal variation of atmospheric composition from 19 May to 30 June at 225 km. altitude are presented. The diurnal variation of helium is seen to reach its maximum near 0800 hours and its minimum in the late afternoon in contrast to the behavior of molecular nitrogen and argon. The atomic oxygen densities show smaller variations than the other gases. The mass densities calculated from the composition data agree well with those determined from the in situ drag force measurements and from orbital decay measurements.

Newton, G. P.↗