ACTS Propagation Program

The ACTS Propagation Program, initiated to develop the propagation effects data for use in the design of future satellite systems, is described. The initial phase of the program uses the ESA's Olympus satellite to provide measurements of the fade slope, depth, and duration of propagation. The results will be applied to develop power control algorithms in time for the ACTS launch in 1992. The plan calls for the development of about 10 propagation terminals, with each terminal consisting of a two-channel receiver, a two-channel radiometer, and a data-acquisition system, which will be loaned to different research centers and universities for data collection and analysis.