2006-03-20 (Flight #1918) |
Aircraft Flight SummaryDate: 2006-03-20 |
Flight Track Map
Larger image (new window) Image by Gala Wind, NASA GSFC |
Satellite Image from MODIS-Aqua/Terra
MODIS/Terra larger image (morning) (new window) MODIS/Aqua larger image (afternoon) (new window) Imagery by Bill Ridgway, NASA GSFC |
Satellite Images from GOES-12 1302 - 2345 UTC |
CAR - (QuickLook)
Imagery from CAR Instrument
Images Unavailble
Flight Mission Details
By Dr. Philip Russell
Preflight goals focused on finding a hole in cirrus and to fly the RSP glint pattern (to prove the theory intended to apply to Glory data to derive aerosol absorption from Glory - based on deriving scattering properties against dark background & extinction against glint).
CAR did not work. Tried to power on before flight; both door & mirror motors sounded like they were moving, but appeared to lose power after a couple of seconds. Closed door manually for flight. Tried to power on in mid-flight, but didn’t succeed.
Flight Path, Timing, and Measurements
1714: Engines on
POS and all other instruments (except CAR) started normally.
1733: Take off
1724: AATS taking Ci-free sun data. AOD(520)=0.11
1735: RH decreased from 40% to 15% at ZGPS=850 m
1736: Z=1150 m, AOD(520)=0.05
1751: AATS in search mode under thick Ci but not moving
1759: AATS rebooted successfully (File AB)
Transit at 5.36 km ZGPS (5.12 km Zp)
1808: AATS went into search mode, but had to shut down again
1817: Turned to W at 21 deg 43’ N toward an apparent clear area. No hole
1819-1823: AATS successfully rebooted under Ci. AOD(520 nm, aerosol+Ci)=0.18 to 0.22
1911: After one more AATS reboot, successfully shut down AATS. RTB
1934: Land
1938: Engine off
