Geometric aspects of solar disruptions in satellite communication

Some of the purely geometric aspects of the problem of disruptions in satellite communications due to solar effects are discussed. Three parameters are developed for calculating the effect of solar activity on radio broadcasts and telemetry during solar transits: the dimensions of the system (antenna diameter and amplifier gain); the type of service provided (voice, video, or data); and the extent to which it is necessary to protect the system's tolerance to noise. Consideration is given to predictions of the time of solar outage for both geostationary and inclined elliptical satellites. The practical benefits of a SUNSAT analysis program for predicting these times are also considered.