Vegetation attenuation measurements at 2 GHz using a remote-controlled airship — Initial results

The aim of this paper is to describe tree attenuation measurements at 2 GHz in four different locations inside vegetation, and at three different positions for a single tree shadowing. The purpose of this measurement campaign was to use a 9-meter long remote-controlled airship as a pseudo-satellite. The transmitting station was located on the airship as a payload and receiving station inside or nearby the vegetation. Subsequently, the received signal strength was measured at each position as a function of elevation angles ranging from 25 to 90 degrees. Measurements taken in an open field were used as a reference. The measured data are still being processed, however, the initial results are shown. The results for locations inside the vegetation and the single tree are compared as well.