Effects of rain and fog on the Shuttle Ku-band microwave scanning beam landing system range and accuracy performance
Abstract
The microwave Scanning Beam Landing System's (MSBLS) performance in fog and rain was studied. The fog and rain effects on the Shuttle Ku-band system were determined. Specifically, microwave attenuation, beam distortion, and coordinate errors resulting from operation of the MSBLS in poor weather conditions were evaluated. The main physical processes giving rise to microwave attenuation were found to be absorption and scattering by water droplets. The general theory of scattering and absorption used is discussed and a listing of applicable computer programs is provided.
- Publication:
-
In its The 1981 NASA ASEE Summer Fac. Fellowship Program
- Pub Date:
- August 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981asee....1S....B
- Keywords:
-
- Fog;
- Microwave Attenuation;
- Microwave Scanning Beam Landing System;
- Microwave Scattering;
- Rain;
- Space Shuttles;
- Approach Indicators;
- Atmospheric Scattering;
- Clouds (Meteorology);
- Computer Programs;
- Drop Size;
- Mie Scattering;
- Particle Size Distribution;
- System Effectiveness;
- Communications and Radar