Characteristics of passive communication satellites with Lambertian surfaces
- Paper ID
IAF-62-060
- author
- company
Litton Industries, Applied Science Division
- country
U.S.A.
- year
1962
- abstract
Passive Communication Satellites with surfaces reflecting diffusely- according to Lambert's law are particularly attractive because they afford a directional pattern which is well matched to the optimum pattern of satellites in lower orbits and because such surfaces can easily be realized. The echo from diffuse reflectors varies statistically and a combination diversity technique of frequency should be used to stabilize the signal. The spherical shape of the satellite is no longer required and weight reduction and higher reliability can be gained from polyhedral structures. Compared with a rigidized specularly reflecting sphere, a Lambertian reflector affords a 7 db stronger echo for the same weight. Model tests of reflectivity agree well with the theory.