Ground radiometer to characterize V and W band satellite link propagation loss

ABSTRACT: Trex Enterprises proposes a method for monitoring atmospheric loss of Earth-to-satellite signals in the V and W bands using only a passive ground-based sensor. The sensor measures the radiometric sky temperature in sub-bands between 66-86 GHz at a sample of elevation angles. A Monte Carlo photon tracing algorithm calculates anticipated radiometric sky conditions for a variety of atmospheric profiles and then selects the profile(s) matching observed conditions. The algorithm then uses the same profile(s) to calculate signal transmission loss at V and W bands. The sensor will also collect radiometric data from the sun, when available, to confirm the modeling results. The radiometer includes a steerable antenna and is packaged for long-term autonomous data collection to characterize atmospheric loss in different climates. The Phase I program designs the radiometer and Monte Carlo atmosphere modeling algorithm. BENEFIT: The development of the described sensor will allow for low-cost characterization of V/W-band communication signal losses in the atmosphere. By long-term monitoring of loss in various climates, the Air Force will be able to predict availability of communications in various regions. The ground-based sensor requires no airborne or satellite counterpart, allowing for inexpensive long-term monitoring. As utilization of the V and W bands for limitary and commercial communication increases, the developed technologies will find increasing use to predict the reliability of communication networks.