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29.042 and 36.321 UE HYSELL CORNELL UNIVERSITY
Waves and Instabilities from a Neutral Dynamo (WINDY)
- Mission
- Vehicle
- Launch
- Photos
The WINDY payloads were designed to investigate the stability of the post sunset equatorial F region ionosphere and the factors that predispose it to equatorial spread F (ESF), a spectacular phenomenon characterized by broadband plasma turbulence which degrades radio and radar signals at low magnetic latitudes. The goal of the investigation is to lay the foundation for a strategy to forecast this disruptive phenomenon. The Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) Long-Range Tracking and Instrumentation Radar (ALTAIR) will be used in conjunction with other ground based instruments to monitor the state of the upper atmosphere/ionosphere and help determine if the scientific conditions are suitable for launch.
The Principal Investigator is Dr. Hysell, Cornell University.
The Black Brant 9 is a two stage sounding rocket with a Terrier first stage and Black Brant second stage. The Black Brant 9 can reach altitudes of about 600 km. Payloads weighing from 400 to 1200 pounds can be flown.
The Terrier-Malmute is also a two stage sounding rocket with a Terrier first stage and a Malemute second stage. This vehicle can reach altitudes of 700 km. Payloads upto 500 pounds can be flown.
The WINDY mission was launched from the Kwajalain Atoll in the Marshall Islands on September 9, 2017.
