Rocketsonde

A rocketsonde, a kind of sounding rocket, is a system for atmospheric observations that consists of a rocket that launches instruments that can make weather observations up to an altitude of 75,000 m.

Additional recommended knowledge

Essential Laboratory Skills Guide

Daily Visual Balance Check

Don't let static charges disrupt your weighing accuracy

A typical rocket is 3.7 m tall and is powered by a 10 cm diameter solid rocket engine. The rocket engine separates at an altitude of 1500 m and the rest of the rocketsonde coasts to apogee (highest point). This can be set to an altitude of 20,000 m to 113,000 m.

The meteorological instruments record data on temperature, moisture, wind speed and direction, wind shear, atmospheric pressure, and air density. Position data (altitude and latitude/longitude) may also be recorded.

See also

• Radiosonde