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GE Americom Statement Concerning Solar Max 2000
June 12, 2000 - Princeton, NJ
The Solar Maximum (Solar Max) phenomenon is a four-year period which occurs during the 11-year Solar Cycle. It is associated with increased solar activity. During Solar Max, more sunspots are observed and more radiation and particles are ejected from the sun. The peak of the next Solar Max is expected in mid-2000.
GE Americom generally agrees with the experts on the predictions for the Solar Cycle and understands that spacecraft and terrestrial systems will be exposed to the effects associated with Solar Max 2000, but this does not mean that spacecraft services are threatened. Some reports have exaggerated the potential consequences of this increased solar activity on satellites. However, these exaggerated reports should not be interpreted as an issue of major concern for users of GE Americom's in-orbit spacecraft. Solar Max 2000 was described at the Space Weather Week 2000 Solar Activity Conference as "very middle of the road, neither high nor low in activity."
The satellites that GE Americom operates were designed with the Solar Max and other similar solar events in mind. Electronic components that are susceptible to degradation in the presence of solar radiation have been "oversized" to degrade acceptably and operate nominally during the expected radiation exposure associated with Solar Max. In addition, shielding is utilized to reduce the exposure of electronic components to the effects of solar radiation. Satellite design parameters providing adequate protection have been successfully used in space for decades. GE Americom has operated spacecraft successfully through two previous Solar Max periods, with no loss or degradation of service attributed to Solar Max.
There are still unanswered questions regarding the recurring Solar Max, but its effects are relatively well understood. While the expectation of increased Solar Max effects may be considered newsworthy, GE Americom believes there is no significant additional threat to the communications services that are provided by the GE Americom spacecraft.
For further information, please refer to these links:
- http://www.sunspotcycle.com
- http://science.msfc.nasa.gov/ssl/pad/solar/predict.htm
- http://www.sec.noaa.gov
- http://www.spaceweather.com
Contact: Monica Morgan
609-987-4143
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