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The Pentagon's Info on HAARP
What Is HAARP?
HAARP (High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program) is to
be a major Arctic facility for upper atmospheric and solar-terrestrial
research. HAARP is being built on a DoD-owned site near Gakona,
Alaska. Principal instruments include a high power, high-frequency
(HF) phased array radio transmitter (known as the Ionospheric
Research Instrument, or IRI), used to stimulate small, well-defined
volumes of ionosphere, and an ultra-high frequency (UHF)
incoherent scatter radar (ISR), used to measure electron densities,
electron and ion temperatures, and Doppler velocities in the
stimulated region and in the natural ionosphere. To further the
scientific capabilities and usefulness of the IRI and ISR, HAARP is
supporting the design and installation of the latest in modern
geophysical research instruments, including an HF ionosonde, ELF
and VLF receivers, magnetometers, riometers, a LIDAR (LIght
Detection And Ranging) and optical and infrared spectrometers and
cameras which will be used to observe the complex natural
variations of Alaska's ionosphere as well as to detect artificial
effects produced by the IRI.
Is HAARP Unique?
Ionospheric research facilities have been in continuous use since
the 1950's to investigate fundamental physical principles which
govern the earth's ionosphere, so that present and future
transmission technologies may take into account the complexities
of the ionosphere. At the present time the US operates two
ionospheric research sites, one in Puerto Rico, near the Arecibo
Observatory, and the other (known as HIPAS) in Alaska near
Fairbanks. Both of these employ active and passive radio
instrumentation similar to that being built at HAARP. Interest in
the ionosphere is not limited to the US: a five-country consortium
runs the European Incoherent Scatter Radar site (EISCAT), a
premier world-class ionospheric research facility located in
northern Norway near Tromso. Facilities also are located at
Jicamarca, Peru; near Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod ("SURA") and
Apatity, Russia; near Kharkov, Ukraine and in Dushanbe,
Tadzhikistan. All of these installations have as their primary
purpose the study of the ionosphere, and most employ the
capability of stimulating to a varying degree small, localized
regions of the ionosphere in order to study methodically, and in a
detailed manner what nature produces at random. HAARP also will
have such a capability, but what sets HAARP apart from existing
facilities is the unusual combination of a research tool which
provides electronic beam steering, wide frequency coverage and
high effective radiated power collocated with a diverse suite of
scientific observational instruments.
Who is Building HAARP?
Technical expertise and procurement services as required for the
management, administration and evaluation of the program are
being provided cooperatively by the Air Force (Phillips Laboratory)
and Navy (Office of Naval Research and Naval Research
Laboratory). Since HAARP consists of many individual items of
scientific equipment, both large and small, there is a considerable
list of commercial, academic and government organizations which
are contributing to the building of the facility by developing
scientific diagnostic instrumentation and by providing guidance in
the specification, design and development of the IRI. Advanced
Power Technologies, Inc. (APTI), a subsidiary of E-Systems, Inc.
which is wholly owned by Raytheon Corporation, was awarded the
contract to design and build the IRI, based on a proposal submitted
in response to an RFP issued by the Office of Naval Research and
published in the Commerce Business Daily. Other organizations
which have contributed to the program include the University of
Alaska, University of Massachusetts, UCLA, MIT, Stanford
University, Clemson University, Penn State University, University
of Tulsa, University of Maryland, Cornell University, SRI
International, and Geospace, Inc.
What is the Value of Ionospheric Research?
The ionosphere begins approximately 35 miles above the earth's
surface and extends out beyond 500 miles. In contrast to the dense
atmosphere close to the earth which is composed almost entirely of
neutral gas, the thin ionosphere contains both neutral gas and a
small number of charged particles known as ions and electrons.
This ionized medium can distort, reflect and absorb radio signals,
and thus can affect numerous civilian and military communications,
navigation, surveillance and remote sensing systems in many varied
ways. For example, the performance of a satellite-to-ground
communication link is affected by the ionosphere through which
the signals pass. AM broadcast programs, which in the daytime can
be heard only within a few tens of miles from the station, at night
sometimes can be heard hundreds of miles away, due to the change
from poor daytime to good nighttime reflection from the
ionosphere. A long-range HF communication link which uses
multiple hops or reflections from the ionosphere and ground, often
experiences amplitude fading caused by interference between
signals which have traveled from the transmitter to the receiver by
two (or more) different ionospheric paths.
Since the sun's radiation creates and maintains the ionosphere,
sudden variations in this radiation such as those caused by solar
flares can affect the performance of radio systems. Sometimes these
natural changes are sufficient to induce large transient currents in
electric power transmission grids, causing widespread power
outages. Lightning is known to cause substantial heating and
ionization density enhancement in the lower ionosphere, and there
are indications that ground-based HF transmitters, including radars
and strong radio stations, also modify the ionosphere and influence
the performance of systems whose radio paths traverse the modified
region. Perhaps the most famous example of the latter is the
"Luxembourg" effect, first observed in 1933. In this case a weak
Swiss radio station appeared to be modulated with signals from the
powerful Luxembourg station, which was transmitting at a
completely different frequency. Music from the Luxembourg
station was picked up at the frequency of the Swiss station.
The continual growth in the number of civilian and military satellite
systems whose performance depends on paths passing through the
ionosphere, encourages not only good characterization and
monitoring of the ionospheric state, but also an examination of
what controlled local modification of the ionosphere, using ground
HF transmitters, could do for and to these systems. Thus, while the
HAARP facility is expected to provide significant advancements in
understanding ionospheric science by stimulating and controlling
plasma processes in a tiny localized region within the ionosphere, it
also has the potential for significantly affecting the planning for
future satellite communication and navigation systems through
improvements in reliability and economics.
Why is the DoD Involved?
The Department of Defense (DoD) conducts Arctic research to
ensure the development of the knowledge, understanding and
capability to meet national defense needs in the Arctic. Interest in
ionospheric research at HAARP stems both from the large number
of communication, surveillance and navigation systems that have
radio paths which pass through the ionosphere, and from the
unexplored potential of technological innovations which suggest
applications such as detecting underground objects, communicating
to great depths in the sea or earth, and generating infrared and
optical emissions. Expanding our knowledge about the interactions
of signals passing through or reflecting from the ionosphere can
help to solve future problems in the development of DoD systems,
and could as well enhance the utilization of commercial systems
which rely on the expedient transfer of real-time communications.
Why Gakona, Alaska?
During HAARP's environmental impact study, Gakona was
identified as one of two DoD-owned, Alaskan locations which
satisfied the site selection criteria of being within the auroral zone,
near a major highway for year-round access, away from densely
settled areas, of sufficient size to allow for equipment siting and
separation space, on relatively flat terrain, of realistic and
reasonable construction and operation costs as well as minimal
environmental impacts. On October 18, 1993 following the July 15,
1993 issuance of the Air Force's Environmental Impact Statement
which evaluated potential environmental effects of constructing and
operating the HAARP facility, a Record of Decision (ROD) signed
by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Installations
selected Gakona as the HAARP site.
Location of the HAARP Facilities
The access road is located at Milepost 11.3 on the Tok highway.
The geographic coordinates of the IRI array are approximately 62
deg 23.5'N, 145 deg 8.8'W.
What is the IRI and what does it transmit?
Basically, the IRI is what is known as a phased array transmitter. It
is designed to transmit a narrow beam of high power radio signals
in the 2.8 to 10 MHz frequency range. Its antenna will be
constructed on a 1000' x 1200' gravel pad (about 33 acres). There
are to be 180 towers, 72' in height mounted on thermopiles spaced
80' apart in a 12 x 15 rectangular grid, each of which supports near
its top, two pairs of crossed dipole antennas, one for the low band
(2.8 to 7 MHz), the other for the high band (7 to 10 MHz). The
antenna system is surrounded by an exclusion fence to prevent
possible damage to the antenna towers or harm to large animals. An
elevated ground screen, attached to the towers at the 15' level, acts
as a reflector for the antenna array while allowing vehicular access
underneath to the 30 environmentally-controlled transmitter
shelters spaced throughout the array. Each shelter contains 6 pairs
of 10 kW transmitters, for a total of 6 x 30 x 2 x 10 kW = 3600 kW
available for transmission. The transmitters can be switched to
drive either the low or high band antennas. Electric prime power
will be obtained from six, 2500 kW generators, each driven by a
3600 hp diesel engine. From a control room within the Operations
Center the transmissions from each dipole are adjusted in
amplitude and phase so as to form a narrow beam directed upward
toward the ionosphere. The transmitted signal is partially absorbed,
at an altitude which depends on the HF frequency, in a small
volume a few hundred meters thick, the remainder either reflecting
back toward the earth or continuing through the ionosphere into
space. The intensity of the HF beam in the ionosphere is less than 3
microwatts per cm2, tens of thousands of times less than the Sun's
natural electromagnetic radiation reaching the earth and hundreds
of times less than the variations in intensity of the Sun's natural
ultraviolet (UV) energy which creates the ionosphere.
Are these transmission harmful?
Because the antenna pattern of the IRI array has been tailored for
upward transmission rather than toward the horizon, radio field
strengths at ground level, including directly under the antenna
array, are calculated to be smaller than Radiofrequency Radiation
(RFR) standards allow for human exposure. This is possible
because the individual transmitters are spaced apart over 33 acres
so that the concentration of radio fields never exceeds the RFR
standards. Radio field strengths on the ground around the array
have been measured throughout the evaluation of the Development
Prototype during 1995, and show good agreement with the
calculations. At the point of closest public access on the Tok
Highway, the measured fields are ten-thousand times smaller than
permitted by the RFR standards and hundreds of times smaller than
typically found near AM broadcast station antennas.
What about aircraft?
While the signals along the ground are well-below adopted safety
levels, the signals transmitted above the antenna array may have
sufficient strength to interfere with electronic equipment in aircraft
flying nearby. Therefore, to ensure the safety of all flight operations
in the vicinity of HAARP, an aircraft alert radar (AAR) will
automatically shut off appropriate transmissions when aircraft are
detected either within or approaching a defined safety zone around
the facility. Flight tests conducted using a Piper Super Cub
demonstrated the capability of the HAARP radar to detect even very
small targets. Ensuring correct operation of the AAR will be a
prelude to starting high power transmissions.
What is the potential for Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)?
Every radio transmitting facility has the potential to interfere with
other radio spectrum users. To determine the potential for
HAARP's transmissions to interfere inadvertently with other
spectrum users such as Alaskan TV, AM/FM radio, ham radio, or
even with HAARP's own sensitive radio receiving equipment, a
comprehensive RFI study was conducted during the environmental
impact study phase. Theory predicted that in several worst-case
scenarios, interference may be encountered by some users sharing
the RF spectrum. On the other hand, the real world experiences of
similar ionospheric research instruments and radar diagnostics
employed elsewhere in the world has shown that compatible
operations are practical. Included in HAARP's frequency
application to the Spectrum Planning Subcommittee of the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
(NTIA) is the commitment to a mitigation program that includes
acquisition of state-of-the-art transmitters with stringent
requirements for minimizing out-of-band transmissions; proper
orientation of the HF antenna array and adoption of operating
procedures, including beam steering, to minimize array sidelobes;
employing special techniques such as waveform shaping, filtering
and antenna null placement; and working with affected spectrum
users, if any, to reach mutually agreeable solutions. A local phone
number (907) 822-5497, permits anyone believing they have
interference from HAARP to contact the Gakona site operations
center.
What is the RFI Resolution Advisory Committee?
The Record of Decision stipulated than an RFI Resolution
Advisory Committee ("Committee") would be formed with local
representation, to help mitigate potential RFI issues. The local
community-appointed resident would serve as an ombudsman to
ensure community satisfaction with the RFI mitigation approaches
undertaken by HAARP. The purpose of the Committee is to
provide a forum for the thorough review of confirmed RFI reports.
Three Committee meetings have taken place so far, on December 6,
1994, during July 1995 and in August 1996. Committee members
are from the following organizations (one from each): Community-
appointed resident, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
(AOPA), ALASCOM, Alaska Department of Environmental
Conservation, Alyeska Pipeline Service Co., American Radio Relay
League (ARRL), Coast Guard, Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), Fish & Wildlife (Federal), Fish & Game (State), National
Park Service, HAARP Environmental Liaison Officer, HAARP
operational staff (site supervisor or delegate), HAARP Program-
appointed chairperson, National Park Service, Naval Research
Laboratory (NRL), and the combined Alaska military command
(ALCOM) frequency coordinator.
To ensure that all concerns, including aircraft safety as well as
radio frequency interference issues, are addressed completely
before the IRI operates at full power, a Development Prototype
(DP) has been constructed and is being operated at the Gakona site.
A 6 x 8 array of crossed dipole antennas was built at the NE corner
of the planned 12 x 15 antenna field, and a 3 x 6 subset of these are
energized by 18 pairs of 10 kW transmitters, contained in three
separate shelters, thus supplying up to a maximum of 360 kW.
Prime power is obtained from three 350 kW diesel generators.
Calculations of expected HF fields in the vicinity of the DP
antenna array show that field intensities everywhere, including
within the DP beam, are below recommended international safety
limits for fly-by-wire aircraft. Nonetheless, the DP will be
energized only when the aircraft alert radar is operating, to insure
that no high power transmissions occur when there is local flight
traffic. Operation and test of the DP will verify the system design,
identify any radio frequency interference problems resulting from
spurious and/or harmonic emissions and permit mitigation
measures to be tested and employed, if necessary.
HAARP Diagnostics
HAARP is developing an extensive set of diagnostic
instrumentation to support ionospheric research at auroral latitudes,
to characterize the processes produced in the upper atmosphere and
ionosphere by high power radio waves and to assess the potential
of ionospheric modification technology for DoD applications.
While some of these scientific instruments would be collocated
with the IRI at the research facility, others, due to geometrical
considerations, must be located off-site at various distances from
the IRI. One of the primary active on-site instruments will be the
incoherent scatter radar (ISR) which will transmit radiowave
signals in the 430 - 450 MHz band. Another is the HF ionosonde,
which transmits in the 1-30 MHz band and is used to provide
scientists with information about the electron density profile in the
ionosphere.
Passive on-site instruments include a magnetometer for the
measurement of the earth's magnetic field and its variations, and a
riometer (relative ionospheric opacity meter) to sense ionospheric
absorption of the celestial background electromagnetic radiation.
The radio spectrum from 100 kHz to 1 GHz is being recorded to
determine frequency of usage and to monitor HAARP
transmissions to ensure adherence to FCC and NTIA requirements.
Data obtained from these scientific instruments is being combined
into an integrated data package for access worldwide on the
internet in near real time, allowing scientists to observe and
participate in the investigations directly from their laboratories.
HAARP is participating in the National Science Foundation's
Upper Atmosphere Research Collaboratory (UARC) Telescience
program being developed at the University of Michigan. In addition
to the instruments specifically developed by HAARP, a number of
diagnostics potentially are available through other federal agencies
and the University of Alaska's Geophysical Institute.
Use of Local Resources
The Geophysical Institute of the University of Alaska Fairbanks
(UAF) has played a major role in the development of diagnostics
and coordination of Arctic programs with the US scientific
community. UAF led a consortium of universities and industries
which provided support in the design and development of the
Gakona facility and its associated scientific instruments. Advanced
Power Technologies, Inc. (APTI), the prime contractor for the IRI,
utilized Eric Goozen for initial site survey work. APTI employed a
Glennallen-based company, Ahtna Construction, Inc., which
subcontracted to Cruz, Survey Alaska and Double S Trucking for
clearing and constructing the DP gravel pad. Ahtna also is
providing nightly security coverage. Anchorage-based engineering
firms Duane Miller & Associates and USKH prepared the civil and
pad design work and conducted the on-site testing and evaluation.
Arctic Foundation of Anchorage designed and manufactured, and
Kiewit Pacific Company installed, thermopiles in the pad, using
Amtec, Inc. to survey the thermopile locations and Tester Drilling
and EBA Engineering to provide drilling support. Acme Fence
Company installed fencing, using the services of Mark Lappi to
survey the fence lines and B&B Plumbing to steam thaw the
ground for drilling. City Electric, Inc. erected the towers, antennas,
and ground screen. Alaska Detroit Diesel delivered, wired and
tested the three diesel generators which power the DP transmitters
and Service Oil delivered and placed the 5000 gallon DOT-
approved tanker. Copper Valley Telephone installed the telephone
lines, and Copper Valley Electric supplies commercial
housekeeping power. Newbery Alaska installed the electrical
distribution lines and provided the pole for the aircraft alert radar
antenna. Bishop & Sons Enterprises supplies water, while CBS
Service provides trash removal and sewage disposal. Harley
McMahon flew sorties to test the capabilities of the aircraft alert
radar and provide the opportunity for aerial photography.
Current/Future Operations at the HAARP Research Facility
Completing the Development Prototype testing is the primary goal
of the current operations at HAARP. Initial DP testing began on 15
December 1994. Nine additional tests have occurred on the DP, the
last ending on May 25, 1997. The first HAARP research
experiment was conducted in cooperation with the NASA WIND
Satellite on November 16-17, 1996. The first comprehensive
research campaign was conducted during early March 1997.
The near term program goal is to provide a complete 48 element
antenna system including on-site power generation by Spring 1998.
Following the planned upgrade, the facility should be capable of
conducting high quality scientific research by mid-1998.
Both on- and off-site scientific, observational instruments are now
providing data on the natural high latitude ionosphere. Currently
these include a magnetometer, ELF/VLF receivers, an imaging
riometer, a 30 MHz riometer, a spectrum monitor and a GPS based
scintillation monitor.
Environmental Process
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA),
an environmental impact statement (EIS) evaluated the
consequences of constructing and operating the HAARP research
facility in Alaska. The EIS discusses impacts on such diverse topics
as electromagnetic and radio frequency interference, vegetation,
wetlands, wildlife, air quality, subsistence, cultural resources,
atmosphere and others.
State and federal environmental regulatory agencies were consulted
to identify issues, and additional input was solicited from the
public during scoping meetings held in Anchorage and Glennallen,
Alaska in August 1992. A draft of the EIS was prepared and
distributed to the public and to specific organizations on March 12,
1993. Public hearings were held in Glennallen and Anderson,
municipalities close to the sites under consideration. The final EIS
was released to the public on July 15, 1993 and the Record of
Decision selecting Gakona, Alaska as the site for the HAARP
Ionospheric Research Facility was signed on October 18, 1993.
In addition to the NEPA process described above, all applicable
state and federal regulations for construction and operation of the
HAARP facility are being complied with.
Additional Information
An updated version of this fact sheet will be issued as often as
program changes warrant to keep interested parties apprised of
significant developments in regard to HAARP. Any individual
seeking additional information about HAARP, or wishing to
provide comments regarding HAARP, may contact:
Office of Public Affairs
Air Force Phillips Laboratory
3550 Aberdeen Ave S.E.
Kirtland AFB NM 87117-5776
-- or --
Mr. Ralph Scott
3rd Wing Public Affairs Division
Elmendorf AFB AK 99506
Phone: (907) 552-8151
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