small fraction of the microwave power would be absorbed by the ionosphere. The heating mechanism is complex, resulting in phenomena such as increased electron temperatures, irregularities in electron density, and focusing of electromagnetic waves. The communications effects of such heating might include absorption or scattering of radio waves (which would disrupt communications systems depending upon the ionosphere as a signal propagation path) and scattering of both the SPS microwave power beam transmitted from space and the beam control signal sent from rectenna to power satellite. Figure 4 illustrates examples of SPS microwave transmission effects on the ionosphere and telecommunications systems. Fig. 4. Examples of SPS Microwave Transmission Effects on the Ionosphere and Telecommunication Systems A coordinated program of theoretical and experimental work is underway to better understand the impact of SPS heating of the ionosphere. Experimental studies are performed at Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico and the Ionospheric Heater Facility in Platteville, Colorado. Both facilities use high-frequency radio-wave transmissions to heat the ionosphere; they can deposit power in the lower ionosphere that is
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