Multispectral Measurements Program (MSMP) Results And Status

Abstract

The Multispectral Measurements Program (MSMP) is being conducted by the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory (AFGL) for the Space and Missile Systems Organization (SAMSO). The MSMP will acquire spectral, spatial and total radiant intensity data on the high-altitude (<150 km) plume characteristics of low-thrust rocket engines (315 lbs. and 1150 lbs. ) in the long-wavelength infrared (LWIR), medium-wavelength infrared (MWIR), short-wavelength (SWIR), vacuum ultra-violet (VUV), and ultraviolet (UV) regions of the optical spectrum. The experimental technique consists of launching both a target engine and a highly instrumented sensor module on a single launch vehicle. Upon separation, an X-Band tracker, in conjunction with an attitude control system in the sensor module, is used to acquire and track an X-Band beacon located on the target engine module to point the fixed sensors. A series of six flights are planned - three test flights from the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) in New Mexico in which the payloads will be recovered, and three high velocity (6 km/sec) flights from Vandenburg Air Force Base (VAFB), California. This paper describes the results of the first systems test flight from WSMR on 10 November, 1977 and the present status of the program.