We review the results of six rocket observations of thermospheric nitric oxide and attempt to reconcile them with the available laboratory photochemical data. Specifically, we assess the impact of the recently revised recommendation for the N(4S)+O2 rate coefficient on photochemical models. Use of the new rate coefficient leads to a significantly enhanced production of NO, particularly at F region altitudes during solar maximum conditions. A comparison of photochemical calculations with the rocket profiles indicates that the new rate coefficient introduces a significant discrepancy which can be resolved if the recombination reaction of N+NO is temperature dependent. Our best fit value for the N+NO rate coefficient at thermospheric temperatures is 1.6¿10-10 exp(-(460¿60)/T). The temperature dependence of this rate coefficient disagrees with the current recommendation from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, but is in better agreement with another, earlier laboratory measurement. Calculations using our proposed rate coefficient predict the NO solar cycle variation at 180 km to be less than at 140 km which is also in agreement with the observations. It is likely that the use of these new rate coefficients will affect calculations of the thermal budget of the upper atmosphere as well as the downward transport of NO into the middle atmosphere. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1992