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University Relations
University of Alaska-Fairbanks

CONTACT:
Vicki Daniels
Public Relations Specialist, UAF Geophysical Institute
(907) 474-5823 or via email at vicki{at}gi.alaska.edu 

1/08/03

Seven Rockets Scheduled for Launch 
  from Poker Flat Research Range
==================================

Seven rockets carrying experiments used to study the aurora are 
scheduled for launch from Poker Flat Research Range this winter. The 
projects include a group of four rockets launched in rapid succession 
to measure wind in the upper atmosphere and one rocket that will turn 
on its side mid-flight, allowing it to pierce a curtain of aurora
horizontally. 

The first launch window of the season is scheduled for Jan.  22 
through Feb. 8. During that time, the High Bandwidth Auroral Rocket 
(HIBAR) mission will wait for ideal conditions to launch a single, 
two-stage Black Brant IX sounding rocket to measure high-frequency 
wave signals in the aurora. The mission is designed to test a theory 
that resulted from previous data-gathering efforts at Poker Flat in 
1997 and 2002. 

Between Feb. 18 and March 8, scientists in the JOULE mission will need 
clear, calm weather and appropriate auroral conditions to launch four 
rockets high above Earth to measure wind in the upper atmosphere. All 
four rockets are scheduled to launch within six minutes of each other. 
Two of the rockets will carry instruments, and the third and fourth 
rocket will release harmless chemicals to create brilliant, colorful 
trails that will glow as they are carried by wind blowing in the upper 
atmosphere. The colorful trails are expected to be visible from the 
ground as far south as Anchorage, and as far north as Arctic Village 
and Kaktovik. 

During the same period, UAF Geophysical Institute Assistant Professor 
Mark Conde will attempt to turn rocket science on its side with a 
dual-rocket experiment. Conde is the principal investigator of the 
first institute-led rocket launch at Poker Flat since 1995. His HEX 
mission will differ from other Poker Flat launches because the primary 
rocket in the experiment will tip on its side in mid-flight, allowing 
it to pierce a curtain of aurora horizontally. Much like the rockets 
in the JOULE mission, each rocket in Conde's mission will release a 
harmless chemical trail that will be recorded by camera sites at 
Arctic Village and Toolik Lake in Alaska, and at Old Crow in the Yukon 
Territory. 

Poker Flat, located 30 miles northeast of Fairbanks, is owned by the 
University of Alaska, and operated by the Geophysical Institute under 
contract to NASA. 

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