Characteristics of depolarization fluctuation of Ka-band satellite beacon with small attenuation

Ka-band, high-elevation-angle satellite beacon observation shows a considerable time percentage of ice depolarization with small attenuation even in a severe cross-polarization discrimination (XPD) degradation. The time percentage of ice depolarization was measured using a CS-2 beacon signal (19.45 GHz, right-hand circular, EL=49.5 degrees ). Temporal variations of XPD and cross-polarized phase are analyzed to assess the possibility of cancellation within a comparably small rain margin (5-10 dB). The distribution and fluctuation of the cross-polar phase suggest the possibility of canceling this type of depolarization using phase shifters. The autocorrelation function analysis, however, indicates that the time scale of the depolarization is slightly shorter than rain attenuation in a low attenuation range.<>