EXPRESS: experimentation of propagation in the EHF-band from the satellite STENTOR

The paper gives preliminary information about the propagation experiments which will be carried out in the EHF-band with the satellite STENTOR. The problems linked with using such high frequencies are reviewed and the objectives of the propagation program are clarified. Then, the STENTOR EHF propagation payload is described. This propagation payload consists of two beacons operating at 20.7 GHz and 41.4 GHz. Two coverage areas are supplied: the first one concerns European countries and the second one an equatorial region around French Guyana. Finally, an outline is given of the EXPRESS campaign, in particular the kind of measurements that should be carried out (radio link, radiometer, radar and radio-meteorological measurements) are defined. Furthermore, the specifications of the future French Earth station which should receive STENTOR beacons are detailed.