into account additional presumed effects on the nervous system (some evidence for which appears to exist, as in an increased heart attack incidence in Finland in an area irradiated by an Over-the-Horizon radar). Other countries have intermediate standards. It is agreed, however, that pulsed microwave radiation is a greater hazard than continuous wave radiation that would be employed in the proposed energy satellite systems. On the other hand the power density in the vicinity of the SSPS transmitter is very high - over , 2 200 mW/cm - and a rather large number of beams (upwards of 100) is hypothesized for the operating system. These factors, taken together, imply rather large exclusion areas to protect other satellites and high altitude aircraft. Exhibit 50 (excerpted from Ref. E12) indicates the power density anticipated from the downlink beam at various distances from the beam center. It is seen that even with the U.S.S.R. standard enforced, a problem exists in only a 10 mile (15 km) radius about the beam. (However, any variability in the pointing of the beam could increase this, of course.) Mesh shielding could be employed within this radius. An additional perspective on the possible effects of the microwave radiation versus time of exposure and at various locations near the beam is provided by Exhibit 51. As already implied, little is understood of the effects of microwave radiation on plants, insects or animals, particularly birds who may fly into the beam. It appears to be anticipated that birds will avoid the higher power density region as a consequence of the heating effects they would experience, but there is some concern that they could be attracted, with possibly long-term deleterious effects, to the pleasant warmth created at some distance from the beam center. Some concern has also been indicated about passengers in aircraft flying through the beam. But it is felt that this should easily be avoidable, and transits would be brief at worst. As previously noted, interference with aircraft instrumentation may be a more significant consideration, however.
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