Multi-surface Langmuir probe observations from the MTeX and WADIS rocket campaigns

Abstract:

We present results from two mesospheric rocket campaigns: MTeX rockets from Poker Flat Research Range and WADIS rockets from the Andoya Rocket Range. The various payloads carried a novel multi-surface Langmuir probe: three fixed bias Langmuir probes, each with a different work function. In addition to collecting thermal electrons, each surface interacts differently with the neutral constituents of the mesosphere: neutral metal atoms, mesospheric smoke particles, ice particles, etc. The WADIS campaign had one rocket each in polar winter and summer, whereas MTeX campaign had two rockets within half hour of each other in polar winter. We show the data from all rockets and estimate various particle densities from the measured current data.