What Are Sounding Rockets Used For?

A sounding rocket, sometimes also referred to as a research rocket, is a rocket, which carries instruments. During its short flight, measurements are taken and scientific experiments conducted. The name for sounding rockets comes from the nautical term, to take a sounding meaning to take a measurement.

Sounding rockets have been used since 1959 on NASA-sponsored missions to test instruments used on satellites and spacecraft and to provide information about the Sun, stars, galaxies and Earth's atmosphere and radiation. Sounding rocket investigations are typically low cost and fast to turn around, and even during 30 minutes of flight can provide space scientists with valuable data. Sounding rockets can also be launched from temporary sites anywhere it he world, so are also highly portable.

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