Experimental Italian Q/V band satellite network

Broadband technologies are taking a predominant role in the emerging information society. In particular, broadband satellite communication systems, with their global access and broadcasting capabilities, are well suited to answer to the requirements of the information society. This paper focuses on the efforts that are currently spent toward the development of EHF (Extremely High Frequency) satellite communications systems. In particular, Q/V (35-75 GHz) and W (75-110 GHz) bands, represent an almost ldquofreerdquo spectrum resource that could be used to realize the so-called satellite gigabit-connectivity, in order to support innovative broadband applications. This paper presents the most important features of an experimental Q/V band satellite network based on the Alphasat TDP#5 (technology demonstration payload), an ongoing project, funded by the Italian space agency, that aims at carrying out communication and propagation experiments over a Q/V band satellite link.