Mesosphere

Deutsch: Mesosphäre / Español: Mesosfera / Português: Mesosfera / Français: Mésosphère / Italiano: Mesosfera

Mesosphere in the space industry context refers to the third layer of Earth's atmosphere, situated above the stratosphere and below the thermosphere, typically extending from about 50 kilometers (31 miles) to 85 kilometers (53 miles) above the Earth's surface. It is characterized by decreasing temperatures with altitude, making it the coldest layer of the atmosphere. The mesosphere is of interest in the space industry for several reasons, including its role in the disintegration of meteoroids, its impact on the re-entry of spacecraft, and its influence on radio wave propagation for certain types of communication.

Description

The mesosphere is less explored compared to other layers of the atmosphere due to its challenging environment for direct measurement and observation. Satellites orbit above it, and balloons cannot reach it, creating a gap known as the "ignorosphere." However, it plays a crucial role in protecting Earth by causing meteoroids to burn up as they enter the atmosphere, presenting a spectacular display of shooting stars. Additionally, the dynamics and chemical processes in the mesosphere are critical for understanding atmospheric circulation and climate models.

Application Areas

• Spacecraft Re-entry: Understanding the mesosphere's density and temperature profile is essential for designing spacecraft heat shields and calculating re-entry trajectories to ensure safe return of satellites and space missions to Earth.
• Meteoroid Studies: Observations of meteoroids burning up in the mesosphere provide valuable data on the composition of these space objects and the dynamics of Earth's upper atmosphere.
• Aeronomy Research: The study of the mesosphere's composition, temperature, and pressure contributes to the broader field of aeronomy, helping scientists understand the processes that govern the Earth's atmosphere and ionosphere.

Well-Known Examples

• Sounding Rockets: Used to conduct high-altitude research missions, sounding rockets can reach into the mesosphere, allowing for direct measurements and experiments in this otherwise difficult-to-study layer.
• Noctilucent Clouds: These rare, high-altitude cloud formations, visible in the mesosphere during the summer months at high latitudes, offer insights into atmospheric moisture and temperature conditions.

Treatment and Risks

Studying the mesosphere presents unique challenges, such as:

• Measurement Difficulties: The "ignorosphere" gap means traditional balloons and satellites are not suitable for direct measurements, requiring specialized missions and equipment.
• Environmental Conditions: The extreme cold and low density of the mesosphere pose risks for spacecraft during re-entry, necessitating advanced thermal protection systems.

Similar Terms or Synonyms

• Middle atmosphere
• Upper atmospheric studies
• High-altitude meteorology

Summary

The mesosphere is a critical layer of Earth's atmosphere that plays a significant role in the space industry, particularly in terms of spacecraft re-entry, meteoroid disintegration, and atmospheric science research. Despite the challenges in studying this layer, advancements in technology and research methods continue to improve our understanding of the mesosphere's dynamics and its impact on space and Earth systems.

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