initiation of convective clouds due to static firing of the Saturn V first stage
The development of large convective clouds in the superheated air generated by static tests of the Saturn V first stage is described. For two booster firings at the Mississippi Test Facility, timed photographs, eyewitness observations, and rawinsonde runs taken close to the area of cloud formation are presented. It is concluded that when meteorological conditions in the lower atmosphere allow for cumulus growth through appreciable depths, a Saturn V booster captive firing will initiate convection and afford one a unique opportunity to study thermal genesis.