its current level, reliable predictions of the effects of water vapor injections due to SPS-related spaceflight activity will not be possible. 3.5 RESEARCH PLAN AND ALTERNATIVES The research plan for the atmospheric effects portion of the environment assessment program consists of two phases. The first phase, which is expected to be completed at the end of FY 78, culminates in a preliminary assessment and a series of four workshops designed to identify issues requiring additional information and to make recommendations for specific near-term (i.e. 1980) objectives and approaches and more general, longer-term research objectives. The research plan for phase 2, which covers FY 79 and FY 80, is based primarily on the output of phase 1 and especially the outputs of the four workshops. Appendix 3B contains a task listing for FY 78 (tasks currently underway and nearing completion) and for FY 79 and FY 80. The tasks listed for FY 79 and FY 80 are preliminary and may require revision as more information becomes available. In particular, reports covering the workshops are currently in a state of preparation. Following initial drafts and circulation to workshop participants, the workshop reports will be sent to other agencies and interested persons for additional comments. The research plan for FY 79 and FY 80 may have to be updated as a result of revisions to workshop reports or other comments received. 3.6 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Since the atmospheric effects assessment effort is currently in phase 1, which is concerned with identification of issues and cause and effect relationships and preparation of research recommendations, it is somewhat premature to state conclusions at this time. However, based on our present state of knowledge and some results of the workshops recently completed (see Sec. 3.2), we can make the following draft conclusions and recommendations. 3.6.1 Upper Atmospheric, Nonmicrowave Effects (above 60 km) The lowest layers of the ionosphere (D&E regions - see Fig. 3.1) can be affected by both rocket launches and spacecraft reentry. The effluents from these space operations include rocket exhaust products (primarily water
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