Earth-space propagation studies in Japan were originally concerned with measuring atmospheric absorption and rain attenuation by means of a suntracker and a radiometer, following which a number of long-term experiments were performed using various experimental and commercial satellites. The first experiments involving Ka-band Earth-space propagation measurements in Japan were carried out in 1977 using the Engineering Test Satellite Type II, and since 1978, these experiments have been conducted using Japan's domestic communication satellite. Based on these studies to date, the understanding of Earth-space propagation characteristics at higher frequency bands, modeling of propagation channels, and development of countermeasure technologies have shown dramatic progress. In Japan at present, advanced propagation studies are under way in wideband digital-transmission satellite systems for the forthcoming multimedia era. This paper summarizes recent study activities concerning wave propagation in Ka-band Earth-space paths and related topics, such as radiometeorology in Japan. Last, future plans for conducting Ka-band and millimeter-wave propagation experiments by using the Japanese experimental satellite "COMETS" and rain observations in tropical regions by "TRMM" are introduced briefly.

Dual-polarization radar observations of wintertime thunderclouds for the Sea of Japan are presented. The range-height-indicator (RHI) and plan-position-indicator (PPI) scans, respectively, reveal the height and horizontal distributions of ice particles, such as graupel and ice crystals. The overall shape of these ice particles is also confirmed on the ground. The ice crystals are, in general, found at high altitude near the cloud top, whereas the graupel is primarily seen near the center of clouds. The PPI display indicates a bandlike horizontal structure, and the lightning tends to occur around the bandlike gap where the ice crystals are, in advance, accumulated on the windward side of the preceding cloud. Simultaneous field mill observations indicate electric charge separation between these ice particles precipitating from the thunderclouds.>