Results from the Virginia Tech propagation experiment using the OLYMPUS 12, 20, and 30 GHz-satellite beacons

Virginia Tech has performed a comprehensive propagation experiment using the OLYMPUS satellite beacons at 12, 20, and 30 GHz. Four receive terminals were designed and constructed, one terminal at each frequency plus portable one with 20 and 30 GHz receivers for microscale and scintillation studies. Total power radiometers were included in each terminal to set the clear air reference level for each beacon and to predict path attenuation. Statistical results for one year of data collection have been analyzed. The following studies were also performed: a microdiversity experiment in which two closely spaced 20 GHz receivers were used, a comparison of total power and Dicke switched radiometer measurements, frequency scaling of scintillations, and adaptive power and control algorithm development. Attenuation statistics, attenuation ratios, fade and inter-fade durations, and fade slope for all three frequencies have been examined.<>