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Korean Meteorological Society (한국기상학회)
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Study on Weather Modification Hybrid Rocket Experimental Design and Application

기상조절용 하이브리드 로켓의 실험 설계 및 활용연구

  • Joo Wan Cha (Research Applications Department, National Institute of Meteorological Research) ;
  • Bu-Yo Kim (Research Applications Department, National Institute of Meteorological Research) ;
  • Miloslav Belorid (Research Applications Department, National Institute of Meteorological Research) ;
  • Yonghun Ro (Research Applications Department, National Institute of Meteorological Research) ;
  • A-Reum Ko (Research Applications Department, National Institute of Meteorological Research) ;
  • Sun Hee Kim (Aviation Meteorological Office) ;
  • Dong-Ho Park (Research Applications Department, National Institute of Meteorological Research) ;
  • Ji Man Park (Forecasting Department, Regional office of Busan Meteorology, Korean Meteorological Administration) ;
  • Hae Jung Koo (Research Applications Department, National Institute of Meteorological Research) ;
  • Ki-Ho Chang (Research Applications Department, National Institute of Meteorological Research) ;
  • Hong Hee Lee (Research Applications Department, National Institute of Meteorological Research) ;
  • Soojong Kim (Innospace Inc.)
  • 차주완 (국립기상과학원 기상응용연구) ;
  • 김부요 (국립기상과학원 기상응용연구) ;
  • ;
  • 노용훈 (국립기상과학원 기상응용연구) ;
  • 고아름 (국립기상과학원 기상응용연구) ;
  • 김선희 (항공기상청) ;
  • 박동오 (국립기상과학원 기상응용연구) ;
  • 박지만 (부산지방기상청) ;
  • 구해정 (국립기상과학원 기상응용연구) ;
  • 장기호 (국립기상과학원 기상응용연구) ;
  • 이용희 (국립기상과학원 기상응용연구) ;
  • 김수종 ((주)이노스페이스)
  • Received : 2023.11.21
  • Accepted : 2024.04.04
  • Published : 2024.05.31
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Abstract

The National Institute of Meteorological Sciences in Korea has developed the Weather Modification Hybrid Rocket (WMHR), an advanced system that offers enhanced stability and cost-effectiveness over conventional solid-fuel rockets. Designed for precise operation, the WMHR enables accurate control over the ejection altitude of pyrotechnics by modulating the quantity of oxidizer, facilitating specific cloud seeding at various atmospheric layers. Furthermore, the rate of descent for pyrotechnic devices can be adjusted by modifying parachute sizes, allowing for controlled dispersion time and concentration of seeding agents. The rocket's configuration also supports adjustments in the pyrotechnic device's capacity, permitting tailored seeding agent deployment. This innovation reflects significant technical progression and collaborations with local manufacturers, in addition to efforts to secure testing sites and address hybrid rocket production challenges. Notable outcomes of this project include the creation of a national framework for weather modification technology utilizing hybrid rockets, enhanced cloud seeding methods, and the potential for broader meteorological application of hybrid rockets beyond precipitation augmentation. An illustrative case study confirmed the WMHR's operational effectiveness, although the impact on cloud seeding was limited by unfavorable weather conditions. This experience has provided valuable insights and affirmed the system's potential for varied uses, such as weather modification and deploying high-altitude meteorological sensors. Nevertheless, the expansion of civilian weather rocket experiments in Korea faces challenges due to inadequate infrastructure and regulatory limitations, underscoring the urgent need for advancements in these areas.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

이 연구는 기상청 국립기상과학원 기상조절 및 구름물리 연구(KMA2018-00224)의 지원을 받았습니다. 또한 기상조절용 하이브리드 로켓의 연소탄을 제작해 주신 (주) GBM과 로켓 실험에 협조해주신 한국항공우주연구원의 고흥항공센터에 감사드립니다.

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