Sounding rocket experiments at Syowa Station during Middle Atmosphere Program (MAP) (1984-1985)

Abstract

During the period of Middle Atmosphere Program (MAP), 11MT-135JA type rockets were launched from Syowa Station, Antarctica, into the middle atmosphere and 5 S-310JA type rockets were launched into the upper atmosphere at various stages of polar substorms. Through the successful rocket flights, we have obtained useful information on the physical processes in the middle and upper atmospheres. The present paper reports the progress of the sounding rocket program at Syowa Station mainly concerning the preparation and transportation of the rockets, the maintenance of the launching facilities, the procedures of the rocket firing and tracking, and the results obtained from the rocket flights.