Rocketeers and guided-missile experts are intensely interested in the temperature of the upper atmosphere. Temperature affects the speed of sound, and the speed of sound has a direct effect on the flight and control of missiles. It is already known that the temperature varies abruptly with changes of altitude. Just above 25 miles, for instance, it increases from 80°F to 190°F in 10,000 ft. But more exact measurements are needed. Conventional thermometers on rockets will not do the job.
Last week White Sands Proving Ground told of another method. Grenades (containers of brightly flashing explosive) are attached to the nose...
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