Centimeter wave beacons for the Comstar satellites

Performance data acquired in orbit are reported for the 2 cm wave beacons carried on each Comstar satellite. These beacons generate modulated signals at 19.04 and 28.56 GHz for direct measurement of attenuation as a function of frequency, depolarization, and phase variations between the 19- and 28-GHz carriers and between sidebands spaced 264.4 MHz or 528.9 on either side of the 28-GHz carrier, in relation to atmospheric moisture on the space-to-earth downlink path. Performance ratings for the downlink propagation path are tabulated, with data presented on attenuation by rain and cloud and on depolarization by rain and cloud for the carriers and sidebands mentioned.