Environmental effects of space systems
The potential effects of large space systems, primarily the Satellite Power System (SPS), on the upper atmosphere, are reviewed. From 56 to 500 km, the major contaminant sources are SPS microwave transmissions and rocket effluents. Although no significant effects have yet been found for microwave transmissions, deposition of rocket effluents causes compositional changes, most of which appear to be associated with the release of large amounts of water. The formation of ionospheric holes is an example of a modification resulting from the injection of propellant exhaust in the F-region. From 500 to 36,000 km, rocket effluents and ion engine contaminants (primarily Ar/sup +/) could alter magnetospheric and plasmaspheric structure and dynamics. One of the major impacts of these alterations could be perturbation of Van Allen radiation belt stability, leading to changed radiation hazards to materials and personnel.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 6500540
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-800590--2
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Environmental effects of space systems
Environmental effects of space systems
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140400 -- Solar Energy-- Environmental Aspects
500200* -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ARGON COMPOUNDS
CATIONS
CHARGED PARTICLES
DISTURBANCES
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
EXHAUST GASES
FLUIDS
GASEOUS WASTES
GASES
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
IONS
MAGNETOSPHERE
MICROWAVE RADIATION
ORBITAL SOLAR POWER PLANTS
PLASMASPHERE
POWER PLANTS
RADIATION BELTS
RADIATION HAZARDS
RADIATIONS
RARE GAS COMPOUNDS
ROCKETS
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
WASTES