Ground-based studies of the spectra of upper atmospheric emission is limited to wavelengths longer than 3000 A because of absorption by ozone, oxygen, and nitrogen in the lower atmosphere, and only limited information about the altitude at which emission occurs can be obtained from the ground. Rocket borne spectroscopic instrumentation can overcome these limitations. One of the objectives of the studies has been to develop rugged and reliable rocket instrumentation which is capable of measuring extremely weak light signals and to use these instruments to obtain ultraviolet and far ultraviolet spectra of aurorae. Another objective of the studies has been to study the spectra of atmospheric species in the laboratory under simulated upper atmospheric conditions. The laboratory studies have also included analysis and interpretation of rocket flight data. (Author).