Satellite Communication at Ka and Q/V Frequency Bands

Dear Colleagues,

In the last 10 years, satellite communication systems have evolved towards constellations with many satellites (hundreds and thousands) and small satellites orbiting in a large variety of orbits at different altitudes, while still using the huge geostationary satellites in the Clarke Orbit. The growing capacity offered by all these systems is possible because higher frequency bands are adopted, such as the Ka band (20 and 30 GHz). Now, the higher Q/V frequency bands (33–75 GHz) are also becoming the focus of experiments. At these frequencies, smaller and lighter equipment (antennae and receivers/transmitters) allows a widespread use around the globe, both for fixed and mobile users. However, at these frequencies, the fading due to the troposphere (water vapor, oxygen, rainfall, snow) is the limiting factor. Modulation, coding, and fade countermeasures are being studied to overcome some of these difficulties.

This Special Issue is directed at industrial and academic colleagues who should address the basic aspects of satellite communication at these high frequencies. Some of these topics are also of interest for future Mars missions. The potential topics include but are not limited to the following research areas:

• Orbits and constellations for global communications;
• Small satellites;
• Propagation effects at Ka and Q/V frequency bands for mobile, broadcast, navigation, and fixed services;
• Fade countermeasures;
• Global satellite communication for the planet Mars.

Prof. Emilio Matricciani
Guest Editor

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