Application of Vector and Matrix Methods to Triangulation of Chemical Releases in the Upper Atmosphere

: The methodology of vector and matrix algebra has been used to simplify the triangulation procedures required to determine the position, motion, and growth of luminescent gas clouds injected into the upper atmosphere. Generated by chemicals discharged from rockets programed to effect point or continuous releases at preselected times, such clouds have proved to be a powerful experimental tool for gathering data relevant to upper atmosphere phenomena such as winds, wind shears, and turbulent transport mechanisms, and the production, maintenance, and decay of ionization in support of specific Air Force requirements in satellite operations, missile detection, and communications.