A Plan to Develop Predictive Capability for Equatorial Scintillation Storms.
Abstract
The emphasis of this study is on amplitude and phase scintillations near the magnetic equator and in the anomaly region which lies 15-20 degrees from the magnetic equator. Military communication satellites that are being launched have equipment which continue the presently available 250 MHz FLEETSAT and AFSATCOM systems as well as new spectral regions for communications. Fading on signals on the 250 MHz transmissions from FLEETSAT and on 1.2 and 1.6 GHz transmissions from the Global Positioning System is the focus of the Boston University studies. 250 MHz transmissions often show deep fading to noise levels in equatorial latitudes during certain months and during years of sunspot maximum. Fading due to ionospheric irregularities on satellite signals in equatorial latitudes could be mitigated by various techniques if forecasting of these irregularities was in place. The aim of the studies is to determine what can be done to forecast scintillations. The emphasis is on observational parameters being used for forecasting. It should be noted that many new systems both proposed and being set into operation utilize the L Band spectrum. This included Iridium as well as other systems proposed for personal communications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA328537
Entities
People
- Jules Aarons
- Michael Mendillo
Organizations
- Boston University