The use of GPS arrays in detecting the ionospheric response during rocket launchings

The paper we investigate the form and dynamics of shock acoustic waves (SAW ) generated during the rocket PROTON launching from the Baikonur cosmodrome in 1998 and 1999. In spite of the difference of geophysical conditions, th e ionospheric response for all launchings has a period of about 300 s and t he amplitude exceeding background fluctuations under quiet and moderate geo magnetic conditions by factors of 2 to 5 as a minimum. The angle of elevati on of the SAW wave vector varies from 45 degrees to 60 degrees, and the SAW phase velocity (900-1200 m/s) approaches the sound velocity at heights of the ionospheric F region maximum. The position of the SAW source, inferred by neglecting refraction corrections, corresponds to the segment of the roc kets path at a distance no less than 700-900 km from the launch pad, which is consistent with the estimated delay time of SAW source triggering (250-3 00 s).