Performance trends at 26 GHz for a receiving ground station at polar latitudes: The SNOWBEAR project

Radio links at around 26 GHz for space communications between Earth observation satellites and ground stations at Polar latitudes are being considered in recent year to increase the downlink performance. However, the precise link budget modelling and the experimental validation of such links is still open, partially due to large propagation losses at these frequencies and partially because of the effect of the harsh Polar environment (e.g., snow) on the antenna structure (e.g., the antenna radome). This paper presents the link budget model implemented in the framework of a dedicated project (SNOWBEAR) under European Space Agency coordination and examples of validation of such a model against experimental data, including cases either in clear sky condition or during a snowstorm. In addition, possible upgrades for the model, based on the use of the ERA5 database, are outlined.