Error propagation and signal post-processing in rocket-based experiments

Gábor Balassa, Pál Bencze, Tadeusz Dobrowiecki

Abstract

This paper describes the error treatment of REXUS rocket-borne measurements of ion density in the middle atmosphere, using so called Gerdien condenser. The main challenge is that measurements in the range of 25-85 km can be carried out only with a sounding rockets or balloons. Therefore not only the measurement time is limited but a lot of noise distorts the data. Another problem is that the measurement model cannot be validated accurately due to the hard accessibility, so apart from a few exceptions we had to rely on probabilistic estimates. Uncertainties and the influencing effects distorting the measurement or endangering the device were estimated, with special attention to environmental effects like shock waves, radiation, photoelectric effect, etc. Finally a full error propagation model has been established and validated through simulations.

Keywords

Gerdien condenser, ion mobility, middle atmosphere, uncertainties

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DOI

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IMEKO TC

TC10 - Measurement for Diagnostics, Optimization and Control

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