NASA NTRS · 19720023741
The composition of the upper atmosphere
Abstract
Miniature mass spectrometers were developed and were carried on sounding rockets to determine the composition of the upper atmosphere. Techniques have been developed that accurately correct for the velocity and spin of the moving vehicle. Above 120 km N2, O2, and Ar appear to be in diffusive equilibrium. Most He concentration measurements show a more rapid decline with altitude than predicted by diffusive equilibrium. Because of the highly reactive nature of atomic oxygen, measurements of this species by mass spectrometry are low by an unknown factor.
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Nier, A. O.. 1972-01-01. The composition of the upper atmosphere. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19720023741
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