Dynamics of the Development of Aluminum Monoxide Clouds in the Upper Atmosphere During the Launch of Solid-Propellant Rockets

Abstract

Various mechanisms of the formation of AlO molecules during the operation of solid-propellant rocket engines in the upper atmosphere and processes of AlO glow decay are considered. The main contribution to AlO formation at altitudes of 120–200 km is made by the interaction of metallic aluminum contained in products of solid propellant combustion with atmospheric oxygen. The decrease in the brightness of AlO clouds is caused by a decrease in the AlO concentration as a result of cloud expansion due to diffusion processes and AlO oxidation with atomic oxygen.