Satellite Crosslink Communications Vulnerability in a Nuclear Environment

Extensive research has been conducted to characterize a nuclear detonation and the resulting impact upon RF propagation. These research efforts, principally sponsored by the Defense Nuclear Agency (DNA) and the Air Force Weapons Laboratory (AFWL), have matured to the point of influencing systems designs and specifications. In this paper, the impact of a high-altitude high-yield nuclear detonation upon satellite communication crosslinks operating in the 20220 GHz frequency range is considered. A variety of propagation disturbances is considered ranging from static disturbances (increased noise, attenuation, etc.) to dynamic disturbances (amplitude scintillation, frequency selective scintillation, etc.). These disturbances are considered in terms of two principle environmental characteristics, namely, the total electron content (TEC) and electron density fluctuation along the propagation path. In order to confidently design a survivable satellite communication network, the propagation disturbances must be properly framed in the context of system design considerations. In this regard, we conclude the paper by relating the various propagation disturbances to mitigation techniques which must be considered in the communication system specification and design.