An Evaluation of Selected Satellite Communication Systems as Sources of Environmental Microwave Radiation

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1974 government report evaluated satellite communication systems as sources of environmental microwave radiation exposure. The study examined how satellite communications technology contributes to microwave radiation in our environment. This early research helped establish baseline understanding of satellite-based EMF exposure during the dawn of modern satellite communications.

Why This Matters

This 1974 government evaluation represents some of the earliest official recognition that satellite communications create environmental microwave radiation exposure. What makes this particularly significant is the timing - this assessment occurred just as satellite communication systems were expanding globally, showing government awareness of potential EMF concerns from the technology's infancy. The reality is that satellite-based microwave exposure has only intensified since 1974, with thousands of communication satellites now orbiting Earth and new mega-constellations like Starlink adding tens of thousands more. While individual satellite signals may seem distant and weak, they represent a constant, inescapable source of microwave radiation that blankets the entire planet. This early government evaluation demonstrates that concerns about satellite EMF exposure aren't new - they've existed since the technology's early deployment, yet regulatory oversight has failed to keep pace with the exponential growth in satellite-based communications.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Study Details

to determine actual environmental radiation levels (power density) as a function of distance from the system antenna, to determine the applicability of a model, using known system characteristics in predicting power density as a function of distance from the source, by comparing measured and predicted levels, and to evaluate the potential of a source to produce hazardous environmental radiation levels

analytical evaluation and measurement of microwave radiation power densities generated by selected s...

The evaluation and others concerning specific source types and the general ambient environment will be used together with the results of biological effects studies to determine the need to establish guidelines for environmental exposure to nonionizing radiation

Cite This Study

Norbert N. Hankin (1974). An Evaluation of Selected Satellite Communication Systems as Sources of Environmental Microwave Radiation.

Show BibTeX

@article{an_evaluation_of_selected_satellite_communication_systems_as_sources_of_environm_g7010,
  author = {Norbert N. Hankin},
  title = {An Evaluation of Selected Satellite Communication Systems as Sources of Environmental Microwave Radiation},
  year = {1974},
  
  
}

No DOI on file for this study.

Quick Questions About This Study

The 1974 evaluation occurred during the early expansion of satellite communication systems, when government agencies recognized the need to assess environmental microwave radiation exposure from this emerging technology before widespread deployment.

The specific satellite communication systems evaluated aren't detailed in available information, but this 1974 assessment would have covered the early commercial and military satellite networks operating during that era.

Satellite microwave exposure has increased exponentially since 1974, with thousands of communication satellites now in orbit compared to the dozens operating when this government evaluation was conducted.

While the specific agency isn't identified from available information, this type of environmental radiation assessment would typically have been conducted by agencies like the EPA or FCC during the 1970s.

Yes, the existence of this government evaluation demonstrates that concerns about satellite-based microwave radiation exposure existed from the early days of satellite communication technology deployment in the 1970s.