Propagation experiment with Japanese satellite, Engineering Test Satellite Type II /ETS-II/ - /Kiku-2/

The Engineering Test Satellite Type II (ETS II) was stationed at 130 E of geostationary orbit in March, 1977. A beacon transmitter for propagation experiments at 1.7, 11.5, and 34.5 GHz is installed. The 1.7 and 45.5 GHz signals have 100% amplitude modulation, the AM mode being selected to improve the rain margin for 34.5 GHz. Data received include 34.5 GHz copolar and cross polar signal level, 11.5 GHz copolar and cross polar signal level, 1.7 copolar signal level, and various phase differences between copolar and cross polar signals. Some initial results on depolarization and fade depth measurements during heavy rain are given.