Azide Method for Generating Metal Vapors in Space

Modern methods of rocket research of the upper layers of the atmosphere and near-Earth space cannot be imagined without the use of glowing artificial clouds (GAC). Traditional pyrotechnic methods for generating vapors of alkali and alkaline earth metals, used for the formation of GAC in space, are ineffective and require, as a rule, the use of metals with high chemical activity. The article presents the results of studies on the development of an alternative method for generating vapors of alkali and alkaline earth metals to create GAC in near-Earth space using inorganic azides of the corresponding metals. The long-term use of pyrotechnic metal vapor generators to create GAC in the upper atmosphere, equipped with azide pyrotechnic compositions, confirmed their high efficiency, reliability and safety of use.