ATS-5 Millimeter Wave Propagation Experiment

This paper describes the design of the millimeter wave experiment aboard the ATS-5 satellite. This equipment is the first millimeter wave communications equipment in space. The function of the equipment is to provide earthspace propagation data at Ku- and Ka- band frequencies. The designs of the phase locked Ka- band receiver, the Ku-band transmitter, the antennas, and the telemetry and processing equipment are described. Mechanical and environmental problems are also discussed.