4.2.4.2 Vehicle Effluent Effects Current information regarding effluent effects on ionosphere characteristics is based on limited Skylab launch data, and the minimal relatable data from military missile launches where ionosphere transients are employed for detection or warning. No detailed temporal or spatial characteristics can be inferred because of the limitations of instrumentation producing the data. No information is available regarding transport processes in excitation or restabilization events. 4.2.5 Research Plans and Alternatives 4.2.5.1 Ionosphere Heating In order to fully understand and predict the impact of SPS operation on the ionosphere (and magnetosphere), a coordinated program of theoretical, experimental and laboratory work must be undertaken. The experimental work will be concentrated around the Arecibo heating facility in order to assess the physical mechanisms giving rise to the creation of ionospheric irregularities and around the Platteville heating facility in order to properly assess the impact on telecommunication system performance. The use of these facilities to simulate SPS effects relies on the fact that the rate of energy input to the ionosphere by ohmic (underdense) heating is inversely proportional to the square of the heating frequency. It is possible to utilize existing facilities such as Arecibo and Platteville to simulate SPS heating of the ionosphere in the D and E region. This simulation can be done at HF and the results extrapolated to the SPS operational frequency, subject to the condition that the heating is truly ohmic. For the F region simulations, modified and expanded facilities are needed in order to deliver the appropriate energy density to F region altitudes. These studies must be supported by detailed theoretical efforts devoted to establishing physically realistic models of the ionosphere/microwave interactions that can be used to provide sound extrapolation. Tables 4B. 1 through 4B.5, given in Appendix 4B, provide a listing of specific tasks that form the overall program of research and exploratory development geared toward assessing the effect of the SPS operation on the ionosphere and ionospheric dependent telecommunications systems. Details
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