A NASA sounding rocket supporting a study of ionosphere and its impact on radio transmissions was launched at 3:38 a.m. EDT, May 1 from Roi-Namur, Republic of the Marshall Islands. The Terrier-Orion rocket was the first of two to be launched as part of the Metal Oxide Space Cloud experiment (MOSC).

The rocket flew to approximately 115 miles altitude and the payload impacted safely in the Pacific Ocean about 20 minutes after launch. MOSC released a Samarium vapor creating a red cloud of charged particles in the ionosphere.

Researchers from the Air Force Research Laboratory studied the cloud as it dispersed and its impact on radio transmissions sent from multiple locations. MOSC is being launched with the assistance of the Department of Defense Space Test Program.

In addition to the two rockets for MOSC, NASA is launching two sounding rockets for the Equatorial Vortex Experiment (EVEX). EVEX will study space weather in the ionosphere, specifically the circulation of ionized gas, the intensity of which is believed related to post-sunset ionospheric storms that can impact satellite communication and navigation systems and signals.

As part of the mission, during the rocket flights red and white vapor clouds will form to allow the scientists to observe the winds in the upper atmosphere.

The launch window for both projects runs through May 12.