Analysis of In-Flight Winds for Shuttle Mission STS 51-L

George H. Fichtl Structures and Dynamics Laboratory, Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama

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Nathaniel D. Reynolds Universities Space Research Association, Huntsville, Alabama

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Alan E. Johnston Structures and Dynamics Laboratory, Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama

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Stanley I. Adelfang Computer Sciences Corporation, Huntsville, Alabama

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Wade Batts Computer Sciences Corporation, Huntsville, Alabama

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Larry Lott Systems Analysis and Integration Laboratory, Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama

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Paul J. Meyer Structures and Dynamics Laboratory, Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama

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Orvel E. Smith Computer Sciences Corporation, Huntsville, Alabama

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Marion S. Swint Structures and Dynamics Laboratory, Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama

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Otha H. Vaughan Jr. Structures and Dynamics Laboratory, Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama

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Abstract

Television photos of smoke plumes an analyzed to estimate meridional wind shear on the space shuttle Challenger associated with the accident of Mission 51-L. Gust velocities were obtained by detailed examination of the debris trails. The shuttle exhaust trail was used to establish altitudes of significant features in the photographs. Wind data obtained from the photographs compare favorably with data obtained from a rawinsonde released 9 min after the launch of the shuttle.

Abstract

Television photos of smoke plumes an analyzed to estimate meridional wind shear on the space shuttle Challenger associated with the accident of Mission 51-L. Gust velocities were obtained by detailed examination of the debris trails. The shuttle exhaust trail was used to establish altitudes of significant features in the photographs. Wind data obtained from the photographs compare favorably with data obtained from a rawinsonde released 9 min after the launch of the shuttle.

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