How is the photographic data converted into wind velocities?
Because the trail was photographed simultaneously from at least two ground observation sites, the position of the trail may be triangulated using the background stars as reference points. By analyzing consecutive trail positions over time, the velocity of the trail over its altitude range (also known as a wind profile) may be determined. • How long does the TMA trail last? The trail duration depends on the rate at which TMA was released and also the altitude range that the trail was released. (At lower altitudes the oxygen density is greater and the chemical TMA will disappear more rapidly.) TMA trails typically last between 5 and 30 minutes. • How many TMA trails will be released? The SPIRIT 2 payload will deploy one TMA trail. Return to top of page. Project Completion • Will we publish our results? At this time we do not know the answer to this question. When we do, those on the mailing list will be notified. • What will be the end result of the SPIRIT 2 program? At this time we do n
