Effect on Biologicals from Reflected SPS Light

6. Conclusions In conclusion, then, in the two worst cases, where the irradiance on earth would be largest: 1. the OTV misaligned in LEO such that the solar panel surface would reflect the sun to earth, and 2. the aluminum back of OTV in LEO, would exceed the safety limits if they were fixated by the unaided eye for longer than 45.2 and 129. seconds, respectively. The third worst case the misaligned SPS in GEO to allow specular reflections is no threat, allowing 1.7 X 10$ seconds of safe fixation. For the eye aided by binoculars or a telescope, the safe viewing time from the standpoint of blue-light hazard could be reduced to as short as .84 seconds with 5.9 power or greater magnification, assuming a 3 mm effective pupil. The safe viewing time could never become shorter than that. Viewing the solar panel in LEO through binoculars or a telescope could produce a thermal retinal injury which could not be achieved with the naked eye. The magnification would have to be 38 X or greater and the instrument would have to preserve a 3 mm or greater exit pupil. It is unlikely that an amateur could track the satellite in LEO with a 38 power telescope. In view of the brief safe gaze time in the two worst case, especially with binoculars, it is urged that specular reflections be reduced where possible and it is also advisable that the aluminized paint on the rear of the OTV be replaced with a less reflectant surface, as was suggested in the Boeing report, although it is unlikely that the OTV could be tracked in LEO for 129 seconds with the naked eye.

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