Rocket probing of PMSE and NLC — Results from the recent MIDAS/MaCWAVE campaign

Abstract

From 29 June to 6 July 2002, the European/American MIDAS/MaCWAVE campaign took place at the Andøya Rocket Range (69°N, 16°E) in Norway. Three MMAS payloads were launched in two different salvoes to study the thermal and dynamical environment of Polar Mesosphere Summer Echoes (PMSE) and noctilucent clouds (NLC). All the payloads were equipped with instruments to measure the number density of positive ions, electrons, charged aerosol particles, and neutrals. An electric field experiment was also included aboard one of the MIDAS payloads. An overview of the preliminary results from the campaign will be presented with emphasis on the first salvo where both NLC and PMSE were present. In particular, the small-scale structures measured during passage through these layers will be compared to previous measurements performed in NLC and PMSE conditions.