Changes in the terrestrial atmosphere-ionosphere-magnetosphere system due to ion propulsion for solar power satellite placement

In order to construct solar power satellites using earth-based materials, sections of a satellite must be lifted from low earth to geosynchronous orbit. The most plausible method of accomplishing this task is by means of ion propulsion based on the relatively abundant terrestrial atmospheric component, Ar. The proposed propulsion system will release a dense beam of about 5 keV Ar(+). The total amount of Ar(+) injected in transporting the components for each solar power satellite is comparable to the total ion content of the ionosphere-plasmasphere system while the total energy injected is larger than that of this system. Preliminary estimates are given of the effects massive Ar(+) injections have on the ionosphere-plasmasphere system with specific emphasis on potential communications disruptions. The effects stem from direct Ar(+) precipitation into the atmosphere and from Ar(+) beam induced precipitation of MeV radiation belt protons.