An analysis of spin modulation effects on data obtained with a rocket-borne mass spectrometer

Abstract

Peak heights obtained with a neutral gas magnetic mass spectrometer flown on an Aerobee rocket were compared with a theoretical expression based on a model for the spectrometer source used. By use of a least squares analysis, number densities of the major neutral atmospheric constituents are found. Because temperature is a factor in determining the variation of mass spectrometer output with rocket orientation, it was found possible to estimate the ambient temperature independent of the density gradient.