The Alphasat Aldo Paraboni scientific and communication experiments at Ka and Q/V bands in Austria

Abstract

SummaryThe use of higher frequencies for satellite multimedia communication systems calls for research of the atmospheric propagation effects at these bands (rain, cloud and gaseous attenuation, scintillation, and depolarization). Alphasat was successfully launched on 25 July 2013. This largest and most powerful European telecommunication satellite carries, besides a commercial payload belonging to the mobile satellite communication provider Inmarsat, several Technology Demonstration Payloads (TDPs) from ESA. One of them is the Aldo Paraboni payload (TDP5) for Q/V‐band communication and Ka/Q‐band propagation experiments. These experiments explore future applications in satellite communication and measure how the Earth's atmosphere affects the propagation of electromagnetic waves. Under ESA contract, JOANNEUM RESEARCH designed, developed, and operates a Q/V‐band communication ground station and a Ka/Q‐band propagation terminal. The experimental site is equipped with ancillary equipment including a multifrequency radiometer profiler, a 2D video disdrometer (2DVD), and meteorological stations. This paper reports on the experimental setup, data processing, and obtained results.