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Measurements in atmospheric electricity designed to improve launch safety during the Apollo seriesGround test measurements were made during the launches of Apollo 13 and 14 in an effort to better define the electrical characteristics of a large launch vehicle. Of particular concern was the effective electrical length of the vehicle and plume since this parameter markedly affects the likelihood of a lightning stroke being triggered by a launch during disturbed weather conditions. Since no instrumentation could be carried aboard the launch vehicle, the experiments were confined to LF radio noise and electrostatic-field measurements on the ground in the vicinity of the launch pad. The philosophy of the experiment and the instrumentation and layout are described. From the results of the experiment it is concluded that the rocket and exhaust do not produce large-scale shorting of the earth's field out to distances of thousands of feet from the launch pad. There is evidence, however, that the plume does add substantially to the electrical length of the rocket. On this basis, it was recommended that there be no relaxation of launch rules for launches during disturbed weather.
Document ID
19720023248
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Nanevicz, J. E. (Stanford Research Inst. Menlo Park, CA, United States)
Pierce, E. T. (Stanford Research Inst. Menlo Park, CA, United States)
Whitson, A. L. (Stanford Research Inst. Menlo Park, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 6, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1972
Subject Category
Space Vehicles
Report/Patent Number
NASA-CR-115754
Accession Number
72N30898
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS9-11357
PROJECT: SRI PROJ. 8940
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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