PIRSA:13080046

The impact of the Atmosphere on space-bound Vehicles

(2013). The impact of the Atmosphere on space-bound Vehicles. Perimeter Institute. https://pirsa.org/13080046

The impact of the Atmosphere on space-bound Vehicles. Perimeter Institute, Aug. 16, 2013, https://pirsa.org/13080046 

          @misc{ pirsa_PIRSA:13080046,
            doi = {10.48660/13080046},
            url = {https://pirsa.org/13080046},
            author = {},
            keywords = {},
            language = {en},
            title = {The impact of the Atmosphere on space-bound Vehicles},
            publisher = {Perimeter Institute},
            year = {2013},
            month = {aug},
            note = {PIRSA:13080046 see, \url{https://pirsa.org}}
          }
DOI 10.48660/13080046
Collection
Talk Type Conference

Abstract

When rockets and space-bound vehicles are fired into space, they have to deal with turbulence, winds and waves in the Earth's atmosphere. Different height regimes cause different problems. In the lower regions (0 to 20 km altitude), winds and turbulence are major issues, whereas above 50 km altitude, large atmospheric waves have serious importance on safe passage. Similar issues arise on re-entry. In this talk, I will discuss the ways in which these atmospheric phenomena manifest themselves, and how they are best mitigated. One example of particular significance will be the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, for which I consulted with NASA in respect to possible atmospheric influences. I will also describe some of the instrumentation used to measure these phenomena.