The ACTS propagation experiment at Vancouver, Canada

• Main Authors: Kharadly, M.M.Z, Hulays, R.A, Rogers, D.V
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Radiowave propagation; Satellite communication systems
• DOI: 10.1049/cp:19950404

Introduces the ACTS propagation experiment in Vancouver, Canada, and presents initial observations and results. Vancouver is one of seven North American sites selected to receive a NASA-provided terminal for the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS) propagation experiment. The purpose of the experiment is to investigate the feasibility of the Ka-band (30/20 GHz) spectrum for satellite communications, to collect much-needed propagation data for this maritime climate, and to investigate how accurately the rain-fade statistics and fade dynamics can be predicted. This is especially important for very small aperture terminal (VSAT) operation, where the fade margin is at a premium. The Vancouver terminal is installed at the Electrical Engineering Department of the University of British Columbia, Canada. The site is at 49°15' N latitude and 123°15' W longitude, 165 m above mean sea level. The elevation angle for the terminal is 29.40, with azimuth 150° clockwise from true North. Vancouver is located in ITU-R rain climatic zone D, and is on the boundary between rain zones B1 and C in Crane's classification [Crane 1980]. The long-term statistics for rain rate for Vancouver are given. Few propagation data, and no previous Ka-band data, are available for this climate. (4 pages)