Measurement of the effective recombination coefficient in the ionosphere with the S-310-3 rocket-borne impedance probe

The effective recombination coefficient in the ionosphere was obtained by measuring the accurate electron density with the impedance probe on board the S-310-3 rocket. The electron density was measured between 94 km and 195 km altitude. The E layer was observed at 103 km altitude, and the maximum electron density was 1.5 x 104 cm-3. The E-F valley was observed between 120 and 145 km altitude, and the minimum electron density was 8.2 x 102 cm-3. The intermediate layer was observed at 165 km and 157 km during ascent and descent, respectively, and the electron density was 3.4 x 104 cm-3. From the present measurement of electron density, the effective recombination coefficient was obtained as (0.77-1.1) x 10-7 cm3 s-1 between 170 and 180 km altitude, and 1.9 x 10-7 cm3 s-1 at 130 km altitude. (Yoshimori, M.)