An SPS Report

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Satellite Power System (SPS) Brightness Due To Reflected Sunlight

  • Contract Number: 31109385448
  • Report Code: DOEER0081
  • Release year: 1980
  • Pages: 84

Coordinating Organizations:

  • Argonne National Laboratory
  • Boeing Aerospace Company
  • US Department Of Energy

Contributors:

Abstract/Description:

Due to the size of these spacecraft and their assembly vehicles, they may be viewed routinely by large numbers of ground observers. The brightness of sunlight reflections off of various components changes markedly as the vehicles rotate along their trajectories. Many surfaces will undoubtedly be coated with optically diffusing material, but the present baseline configurations also include large flat areas that are specular such as glass, polished metal and smooth composites. Owing to the size relatively low altitude (LEO)_ and/or specularity some reflections will be exceptionally bright. The level of ground illumination needs to be evaluated for potential effects, if any, such as radiant energy in observer's eyes, skybrightness for optical astronomy and changes in animal behavior.

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Space Studies Institute
7429 Laurel Canyon Blvd
Suite S
North Hollywood CA 91605
(661) 750-2774
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Space Studies Institute
7429 Laurel Canyon Blvd
Suite S
North Hollywood CA 91605
(661) 750-2774
admin@ssi.org