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Harold T. Dougherty

Abstract: The radio wave propagation path between an earth station and a synchronous satellite 1s described by engineering-type formulas which consolidate all of the known external elements significant for system performance. This UHF/SHF consolidated model, adaptable for subsequent updating, includes state-of-the-art estimates of noise, attenuation, depolarization, and turbulence. The role of system geometry in signal depolarization is presented and the basis for the evaluation of linear versus circular polarization is developed. The conventional figures of merit are included; the determination of service fields (desired signal levels) and potential interference fields (undesired signal levels) are described. The application of the formulas and graphs given in the text are illustrated by numerical examples; their associated derivations are either referenced or covered in the appendices.

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