Measurement and frequency extrapolation of microwave attenuation statistics on the earth-space path at 13, 19, and 30 GHz

The program to use the Crawford Hill sun tracker for measurement of attenuation on the earth-space path at 13, 19, and 30 GHz is described. Cumulative attenuation statistics for a year of data are presented, along with a discussion of likely sources of error. The results of the data analysis can be briefly summarized. 1) The extrapolation procedure proposed by Hogg, wherein attenuation measurements at two frequencies are used to predict attenuation at a third, yields results in good agreement with observation except at very high attenuation levels. 2) Because of limits on the measuring range of the sun tracker, more accurate estimates of fading statistics for fades >30 dB at 30 GHz can probably be made by extrapolation than by direct measurement.