Microwave Transmission Characteristics of Solar Power Satellites
A summary of the analyses and performance characteristics of a high-power microwave system for transferring energy from solar power satellites in geosynchronous orbit to the earth is given. Design tradeoffs, problem areas, and simulation results for various configurations are presented.
Environmental considerations for the microwave beam from a solar power satellite
Solar power satellite (SPS) systems in geosynchronous orbit are possible future energy sources. The SPS concept uses a highly focused microwave beam to transmit the energy to the earth. The microwave power transmission system parameters are summarized, emphasizing those parameters which may affect the earth's environment. Environmental impacts of the microwave beam are discussed. The power levels for the main beam, sidelobes, grating lobes, and ground receiving antenna reradiation patterns are presented. Ionospheric/microwave beam interaction studies, experimental and theoretical, are reviewed. Possible radio frequency interference sources and the magnitude of expected interference levels are discussed.
Thermal diffusion in the topside ionosphere for mixtures which include multiply-charged ions
Abstract We have evaluated thermal diffusion coefficients for a fully ionized plasma containing a mixture of ions of arbitrary charge in which two ions may have densities comparable to the electron density. In order to illustrate the ionospheric effects of thermal diffusion we have calculated diffusive equilibrium density profiles in the topside ionosphere for O + , H + , N + , He + , O 2+ and N 2+ ions. The influence of thermal diffusion on the doubly-charged ions is particularly large, increasing their densities by more than two orders of magnitude at 1900 km.