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Scintillation estimates for a Jupiter entry probe: Phase 1. [Model of electron density irregularities]

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:7340361
A model of the electron density irregularities in the Jovian ionosphere is constructed based on a preliminary interpretation of the Pioneer 10 Jovian ionospheric scintillations. The ionospheric irregularities exist over an altitude range of 3000 km. The structure constant c/sub n/ of refractive index fluctuations is constant throughout this altitude range. The spatial wavenumber spectrum of the electron density irregularities follows the Kolmogorov spectrum, and the outer scale size is greater than 6 km. Estimates of scintillation for a Jovian entry probe based on this model indicate that it is small at S-band but could be substantial at 4000 MHz. The temporal frequency spectrum of the log-amplitude fluctuation is less than 1 Hz and is consequently rather narrow. (auth)
Research Organization:
Jet Propulsion Lab., Pasadena, Calif. (USA)
OSTI ID:
7340361
Report Number(s):
N-76-12923; NASA-CR-145769; JPL-TM-33-745
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English