Antenna measurements at 30 GHz with ATS-6 for examination of the polarization behaviour of the receiver and satellite antennae

When investigating cross polarization the measured signal of the cross-polarized component is a sum of various contributions. The errors introduced by the satellite and ground station antennas and the component generated in the atmosphere are presented. In the case of the system used here a further component can be generated by a half-wave plate in the feed system. In order to assess the effect of the various components on the measured results, certain assumptions concerning the contributions of the satellite and ground station antennas must be made. Comprehensive measurements were carried out in order to determine the various contributions and to assess the incorrect polarization behavior of the 30 GHz satellite parabolic antenna for the reception site Leeheim.