Experiments and Models in Prairie Smoke

Abstract

This final report describes additional experiments to study the morphology of artificial spread F (ASF) irregularities by measuring the scintillation of VHF and UHF signals transmitted through the disturbed region from geostationary and orbital satellites. Scintillation depth, structure size and drift velocity measurements are described for Prairie Smoke IV, and are related to heater power. Detailed correlation analysis shows the presence of a smaller structure in ASF of about 10 meter size. The results of these experiments are combined into a model for scintillation and spread F. The report also contains recommendations on the effect of antenna power patterns and beam steering on field-aligned VHF scatter; and on models for D-region absorption.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 15, 1973
Accession Number
AD0529359

Entities

People

  • Daniel R. Ward
  • E. K. Walton
  • S. A. Bowhill

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Absorption
  • Antenna Configurations
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Beam Steering
  • Correlation Analysis
  • Cross Correlation
  • Data Analysis
  • Data Displays
  • Electron Density
  • Electrons
  • Geosynchronous Satellites
  • Information Science
  • Ionosphere
  • Line Of Sight
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Measurement
  • Orientation (Direction)

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Phased Array Antenna Design.
  • Space/Atmospheric Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites