Millimeter propagation research using ACTS-a look at first year findings

ACTS (Advanced Communications Technology Satellite) has been in geostationary orbit since September 1993. Its 20.185 and 27.5 GHz beacons provide an opportunity to validate and refine atmospheric propagation information in this millimeter region in time to be considered during development of new orbiting satellite communication systems. Typical first year results from NASA's seven propagation observation sites are presented-including the impact of signal fading during severe weather, and differences between the climatic extremes of subtropical and arctic regions.