Physical Mechanisms of Upper Atmosphere Optical Phenomena Associated with Rocket Engine Operation

Abstract

With the development of rocket and space technology and intensive study of near-Earth space, optical phenomena associated with the technical impact on the environment became increasingly observed. One can divide several basic types of such phenomena: rocket engine torch plumes, observed during the launch of missiles and maneuvers of spacecraft, the phenomenon observed at reentry of spacecraft into denser layers of the atmosphere, the gas and dust clouds formed with rocket engines operation, phenomena developing in the process of an interaction of the combustion products with atmospheric components, and shock waves generated by rocket engines in the upper atmosphere. Phenomena associated with the launches of solid-fuel missiles have a number of features related to the specifics of the operation of such engines and fuel composition. Optical phenomena connected with rocket engine operations are a good tool for the investigation of physical conditions and processes in the upper atmosphere. Also systematic observations of these phenomena assist in making an environmental impact assessment of missile launches on the upper atmosphere.