Measurement of the flowfield parameters during reentry is essential for the design of advanced terminal guidance and imaging sensors for BMO application. Novel techniques are proposed to measure the electron density profile, boundary layer fluctuation spectra and flowfield temperature during reentry. Electron density profile measurements are performed through millimeter wave imaging of the boundary layer. Plasma fluctuation spectrum measurement is achieved using high rate data sampling/compression instrumentation system, while boundary layer temperature is done using multi-spectral radiometric technique. The suggested instrumentation is expected to substantially enhance the effectiveness of future flight tests carried out by BMO. Possible commercial applications can be in the field of space transportation.
