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University Archives & Special Collections, RG 2043, Bx2, C-7. (Patrick Hayes)

Institute of Space and Atmospheric Studies

On July 11, 1967, the University's Institute of Space and Atmospheric Studies in co-operation with Bristol Aero-Space Industries Ltd. of Winnipeg sent up two Black Brant 3 rockets from the Churchill Research Range.

The launchings marked the third and fourth in a series of experiments to better understand weather patterns by studying the photochemistry of the atmosphere.

Each rocket rose approximately 100 km into the atmosphere. The clamshell nose cones separated in flight to expose a light measuring device called a photometer.

All measurements were “telemetered” to the ground and no attempt was made to recover the scientific instruments. Both payloads, weighing approximately 80 kilograms, were built and tested in the workshops of the institute on campus and then sent to Winnipeg for further testing and incorporation into the nose cones. Bristol Aero-Space supplied the rocket engineering under a contract with the National Research Council.  

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