FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A single, four-stage sounding rocket successfully launched into the aurora at 11:23 p.m. on Sunday, January 13 from Poker Flat Research Range. The rocket, a Black Brant XII, is part of an experiment designed to use Global Positioning System (GPS) radio signals to understand how oxygen emitted from the aurora triggers the expansion of the ionosphere into space, resulting in the formation of radiation belts.

Radiation belts around the earth limit the life of satellites and are a potential hazard for astronauts working outside a spacecraft.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A single sounding rocket is scheduled to launch in January from Poker Flat Research Range when weather and aurora conditions are suitable. The rocket, a Black Brant XII, is part of an experiment designed to show how the aurora affects radio signals such as Global Positioning System (GPS) signals.

The rocket will be launched 700 km high through a bright and active aurora display, and will land in the Arctic Ocean. Once in flight, the rocket will release three payloads in a triangular configuration.