K.3 IMPLEMENTATION OF OBJECTIVES Hl, HZ, DI AND D2 USING LOW EARTH ORBIT SORTIE MISSIONS Figure K-2 summarizes the concerns regarding effects on the ionosphere. It indicates the height of the region of concern and also indicates the part of the region where testing in the F and D layers would be required to implement the highly desirable objectives Hl and H2. It has become evident that irradiation of the D layer from low earth orbit at the desired power densities for the times of interest is not as practical as conducting the test from an upgraded ground facility such as at Arecibo. Figure K-3 summarizes the characteristics of the Arecibo facility in this regard. It indicates that an upgrading by an order of magnitude would be required to irradiate the D region. Similarly, it would have to be upgraded by two orders of magnitude to irradiate the F region. It appears that testing the D region from the ground may be practical and it is therefore recommended. It also appears that further investigation into testing the F region from low earth orbit is warranted. Detailed test requirements for the "F" layer are summarized in Figure K-4. Building blocks and assembly options for meaningful orbital tests are shown in Figure K-5. The power levels associated with the sections of an operational power transmitting array are shown in Figure K-6. The progressively increasing input power and the opportunity for test are indicated. This should permit a properly phased program to address objectives Ml, M2, M5 to a small degree, H3 to a limited degree, H4 and H5. Figure K-7 presents more detailed technology development objectives in the currently defined order of technology risk ranking. Figure K-8 presents a progressive set, a through j, of configurations to be investigated on orbit at the subarray and below level of assembly. This set should permit progressive implementation of objectives Ml, M2, M3, M5, H3, H4, H5 and of the technology development detailed objectives associated with the technology areas in rank order 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 20. The degree to which these are implemented will depend in large part on the number of each configuration developed and tested on orbit; however, each step will contribute significantly to the understanding of the issues and the total set will form a good basis for the development of the MPTS subarrays. Objective Ml and rank order item 1 will be relatively
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