Book Description

A liquid-helium-cooled, long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) spectrometer was successfully launched on 14 Feb 1974 from the University of Poker Flat Research Range at Chatanika, Alaska, part of the DNA ICECAP 74 Program. The Spectrometer, which employs a circular-variable filter, was almost identical to one flown on 22 Mar 1973 that provided the first measurements of the altitude profile of the infrared spectrum of the upper-atmospheric emissions between 7 and 24 micrometers. The 1973 measurements were from an energetically pumped atmosphere during the occurrence of an IBC II aurora. The objective of the 1974 flight was to obtain emission data from an aurorally quiet atmosphere to determine the contribution of the auroral energy input to the data obtained in 1973. The payload was successfully launched during nonauroral conditions, and data were obtained on the 15 micrometer carbon dioxide (nu 2) emission from 74 to 160 km and on the 9.6 micrometer ozone (nu 3) emission between 74 and 110 km. Above 110 km, significant unidentified emission was again observed at 9.3 micrometers.