Ionospheric effects of rocket exhaust products—heao-c, skylab

Abstract This paper describes a two-dimensional computer model of the mesosphere/thermosphere/ ionosphere, which was designed for the analysis of F -layer depletions produced by rocket launches. Model results are compared with ionospheric data from May 1973, before and after the launch of Skylab I . They are also compared with more extensive data taken in conjunction with the September 1979, launch of HEAO-C. Our own experimental observations of the HEAO-C launch are also described. These include optical measurements of O( 1 D) airglow and incoherent scatter measurements with the Arecibo radar.