ACTS radiometers and a comparison of atmospheric attenuation derived form temperature-humidity and radiometric data

Virginia Tech has recently developed and constructed seven ground terminals for use in a propagation experiment employing the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite. This satellite was deployed by NASA in September of 1993. The ground terminals are used in the study of propagation effects caused by the atmosphere for 20 and 30 GHz signals. Each of these terminals contains one total power radiometer for each frequency. These radiometers are used to set clear sky attenuation reference levels for satellite beacon calibration. This thesis describes the design, implementation and testing of the radiometers built at Virginia Tech.

In addition, a mathematical algorithm used for the prediction of clear sky attenuation along satellite paths is tested for correlation with radiometer predicted clear sky attenuation. Test data is compared to determine if the algorithm might serve as a radiometer replacement in future propagation experiments or other applications.