Design Considerations for a Microwave Scintillation Experiment.
Abstract
The plasmaspheric irregularities that produce radiowave scintillation at frequencies above 1 GHz near the geomagnetic equator, and the signal perturbations that they impose, are of considerable importance to DNA responsibilities. This report describes possible experimental approaches to understanding the phenomenon of microwave scintillation that could be conducted during the forth-coming period of increased solar activity. We take it to be axiomatic that the key measurement is of GHz scintillation itself, although consideration is given to corollary measurements. Because GHz scintillation is less common than VHF-UHF scintillation, and because understanding the phenomenon would be fostered greatly by observation throughout the complete evolution of GHz-scintillation events, the recording of signals transmitted for a geostationary satellite is stressed. One of the salient results of the Wideband satellite experiment has been the demonstration of the close relationship between the measured signal phase and the plasma structure that produces scintillation. For this reason, we consider it essential that the prime experiment include measurement of phase scintillation. Several approaches to obtaining the necessary coherent signals radiated from a geostationary satellite are considered; they include a dedicated launch, a dedicated satellite on a 'piggy back' launch, a payload on a multiple-experiment SAMSO satellite, and the use of a satellite already in orbit.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 15, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA049203
Entities
People
- Alan A. Burns
- Boyd C. Fair
- Edward J. Fremouw
- Roland T. Tsunoda
- Roy A. Long
Organizations
- SRI International