Earth-satellite propagation research

Slant-path propagation research is contributing to technical developments and business growth in new satellite-communications applications. Because of a radio spectrum shortage below about 17 GHz, frequencies in the Ka- and higher spectral bands are seen as good candidates for Earth-space communications in the future. New challenges in propagation research include the characterization of mobile/personal links and the investigation of higher bands for satellite communications. An example of the radiowave propagation scenarios is illustrated where the mobile terminal, with a low-gain antenna, operates in frequencies below 10 GHz and is faced with propagation anomalies caused by shadowing, Doppler, and multipath effects. The fixed terminal, with a high-gain antenna, operates at frequencies above 10 GHz and suffers from atmospheric effects.>