The term "Sounding" Rocket comes from the nautical term "to sound," which means to take measurements. "Rocket" refers to the launch vehicle and launch method. Therefore, a Sounding Rocket is a rocket which is used to take measurements of anything from the atmosphere to the solar spectrum and much, much more.

Most Sounding Rockets can basically be divided into two main parts (1) a solid-fuel rocket motor and (2) a payload.

The photo on the left was taken from the Wallops Flight Facility Sounding Rocket Page. It demonstrates the path taken by the solid-fuel rocket motor (lower arch) and payload (higher arch) from launch to separation and after.

Sounding Rockets are used because they have specialized characteristics and capabilities and offer the following benefits:

• They are low cost.

• A payload can be developed in as little as six months.

• They allow scientists to conduct investigations at a specified time and place.

• They provide the only means of making in-situ measurements at altitudes between the maximum altitudes for balloons (about 30 miles or 48 kilometers) and the minimum altitude for satellites (100 miles or 161 kilometers).

The flight profile of a sounding rocket follows a parabolic trajectory; that is, it goes up and comes back down. Flight time is usually less than 30 minutes; however, invaluable data can be received in this short flight time. (SERTS Flight Info)

Following the launch, as the rocket motor uses its fuel, it separates from the vehicle and falls back to Earth. The payload continues into space and begins conducting the experiment. As the payload re-enters the atmosphere, a parachute is deployed to bring the payload gently back to Earth. The payload is then retrieved. Retrieving the payload results in a tremendous savings because the payload or parts of the payload can be refurbished and flown again.

Video of a sounding rocket launch as seen from the ground

Video of second stage separation from the instrument payload. This video is from a flight by Dr. Darrel Judge of University of Southern California.

View the entrance aperture of SERTS as it acquires the Sun during its 1993 flight.

Video of sounding rocket launch as seen from the rocket looking down. This video, from a launch of the University of Colorado Thermospheric Rocket Experiment, was provided to the SERTS team by Dr. Thomas Woods, P.I. (http://lasp.colorado.edu/rocket/)

Video of second stage separation during a night launch. The second stage can be seen burning as it falls away from the instrument payload. This video was provided by Dr. S. Chakrabarti of Boston University.

View the Earth from space as the spacecraft begins to point toward the Sun. This video, from a flight of the University of Colorado Thermospheric Rocket Experiment, was provided to the SERTS team by Dr. Thomas Woods, P.I. (http://lasp.colorado.edu/rocket/)