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The determination of exhaust cloud dimensions from films of space shuttle launchesPrinciples of photogrammetry are used to calculate the dimension of ground clouds produced from the Space Shuttle launch system. For each of three launches (Missions 41C, 41D, and 51A), a 16 mm camera recorded the ground cloud from three different locations. Measurements were made from outlines of the cloud and other features of interest which were traced onto paper at one-minute intervals using a 16 mm stop-action projector. Cloud characteristics such as top, max width at top, average width, and base are presented as a function of time. A temperature inversion was present each launch day and the cloud responded by first rising into the inversion and then descending to about the inversion height. Max tops were achieved in about three to five minutes and ranged from 2200 m for Mission 41C to 3500 m for Mission 41D. Cloud bases rose steadily to between 700 and 1000 m after 10 minutes. Average widths ranged from 500 to 1700 m depending on mission and camera. Photographs of digitizations of selected film frames are included in the report to show the irregular cloud shapes. Error sources for this analysis are also discussed.
Document ID
19880005118
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Zak, R. A. (ST Systems Corp. Hampton, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 5, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1987
Publication Information
Publisher: NASA
Subject Category
Environment Pollution
Report/Patent Number
NASA-CR-4103
NAS 1.26:4103
Accession Number
88N14500
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS8-36715
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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