Charles M. Rush et al.

Abstract: This report summarizes the results of experiments undertaken to assess the potential impact of the operation of the Satellite Power System on the D and E regions of the ionosphere, and on telecommunication systems that are dependent upon the structure of the lower ionosphere. Using the high–power high–frequency transmitter facility located at Platteville, Colorado, power densities comparable to the Satellite Power System can be delivered to the heights of 70 to 100 km above the surface of the earth. Observations of the performance of telecommunication systems that operate in the VLF, LF, and MF portions of the spectrum have been investigated during times when the ionosphere was modified with SPS comparable power density and when it was not. The results obtained indicate that the SPS, as currently configured with a peak power density of 23 mW⁄cm2, will not adversely impact upon the performance of VLF, LF, and MF telecommunication systems.

Keywords: D and E region heating; D and E region telecommunications effects; LF propagation; LORAN-C; MF propagation; OMEGA; satellite power system (SPS); VLF propagation

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