Measurements of cross-polarization discrimination degradation of Ka-band satellite communication signals in thunderstorm events

Abstract

Rapid changes in cross-polarization discrimination (XPD) of Ka-band satellite radio wave signals caused by thunder-storm events are presented. The directions of rapid changes are discussed using the co-polar and cross-polar signals received for the past 17 years from 1990 to 2006. Increase and decrease of the XPD and cross-polar phases are examined, assuming those caused by alignment and canting angles of ice crystals at the discharging point of lightning. The XPD values and cross-polar phases are directly traced during the rapid changes at the discharging point using those values measured at 0.1 sec intervals.