Low elevation angle propagation studies at 12.5, 20 and 30 GHz

The Satellite Communications Group at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VPI & SU) at Blacksburg, Virginia in the USA is conducting a series of propagation studies using the 12.5, 20, and 30 GHz beacons aboard the Olympus spacecraft. Blacksburg is at 80.44 degrees longitude, 37.3 degrees latitude, an altitude of 646 m, and between CCIR climactic zones K and M. The slant path to Olympus is at 14 degrees elevation angle. The main purpose of the experiment is to record attenuation data at the three frequencies over a period of one year beginning August 1st, 1990. This idea is used to derive fade statistics, information on fade interval and duration, fade slope, and frequency scaling of attenuation