The Q/W-band CubeSat LEO Propagation Experiment

Due to the congestion of the electromagnetic spectrum and the need for larger bandwidths, space radio-communication systems are moving towards the use of higher frequency bands (Ka, Q/V and W bands). These frequencies are severely impaired by atmospheric phenomena causing attenuation, scintillation and depolarization. This paper introduces a new propagation experiment that will extend the characterization of the Earth-space channel up to the W band and low Earth orbits (LEO). The satellite launch is planned for 2021, followed by a measurement campaign lasting two years.