Created in 1958, the Radio Meteor Project analyzed the meteoric mass, velocity, orbital parameters, and physical phenomena associated with the atmospheric entry of micrometeoroids at heights of 86 to 110 km. Data was gathered by a multi-station radar system, based in Havana, Illinois. From 1958 to 1966, the project was under the administrative control of the Harvard College Observatory (HCO), with project staff including both HCO and Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) scientists. Principal funding for the project was from contracts with the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. In 1966, administration of the project was transferred to SAO. The project was terminated in 1971, and the radar facility at Havana was transferred to the University of Illinois. SAO administrative officers of the Radio Meteor Project included Dorik Mechau, 1966; C. Hagge, 1966-1970; and Harris E. Rosenthal, 1970-1971. Chief scientific investigators of the project included Gerald S. Hawkins, Richard B. Southworth, and Richard E. McCrosky.
From the description of Radio Meteor Project, Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, circa 1960-1971 Records. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 80453215
