Cross-polarization measurements at Martlesham Heath (UK) using OTS

Abstract

Slant-path propagation measurements using transmissions to and from theOtssatellite are being carried out at Martlesham Heath (Uk)at an elevation angle of 29.9°. The measurements allow the determination of the attenuation and cross-polarization for circularly-polarized signals at 14.5 and 11.8 GHz and attenuation and cross-polarization for a linearly-polarized signal at 11.6 GHz. This paper reports the results of cross-polar measurements made during the summer of 1978 together with examples of particularly severe cross-polar effects from 1979. The measurements are compared with both aCcircurve relating cross-polar discrimination to fade depth for rain and theoretical curves supplied by Essex University. The results clearly demonstrate the superior cross-polar performance of linear polarization compared to circular polarization.