Ground-based Characterization of High Altitude Plume-Signature Phenomenology to Advance the Capabilities of SOCRATES-P

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to utilize a ground-based simulation facility based upon its patented FAST technology to obtain critical data necessary to validate and extend the capabilities of the MDAs high altitude plume code: SOCRATES-P. Far-field plume signatures arise from the hyperthermal interaction of rocket plume effluent with the atmosphere at altitudes greater than 100 km. In Phase I we propose to use a tunable, hypervelocity oxygen atom source (6-12 km/s) to measure the velocity dependent cross section of oxygen atoms reacting with one selected component of the thruster exhaust with products emitting in the primary sensor band: 2.0 5.0 micrometer. The data will be compared to computational chemistry results from Spectral Sciences Inc. Phase I will also design a pulsed supersonic source of vibrationally excited reactants. A Phase I option is proposed that will characterize emission from reaction products with 15 cm-1 spectral resolution to further test the computational chemistry methods that underlie the signature code. In Phase II the source of vibrationally excited reactants will be implemented onto the FAST facility. This new capability will be utilized to significantly advance the range of plume phenomenology that can be addressed with the simulation facility. Approved for Public Release | 16-MDA-8917 (15 November 16)