A review of spaced based RF propagation experiments and examination of a new interest in W/V band (40–110 GHz) studies

V and W band frequencies are becoming increasingly more interesting to system designers as the demand for communications bandwidth continues to grow. Regulated applications of the RF spectrum in these bands are few and provide an opportunity for new applications at high data rates. We review the current interest at these frequencies and the previous orbital experiments designed to conduct long term RF attenuation measurement studies. Lastly, we discuss the outstanding research questions in V and W band necessary for future communication system development.