Dual polarization allows a communication system to transfer twice as much information as a single polarized communication system, with no increase in the required bandwidth. Site diversity may be used in high frequency satellite communication systems to reduce the effects of attenuation and depolarization due to rain and ice. This thesis examines dual polarized site diversity satellite communication systems to determine how such systems would perform under operating conditions. Three diversity system models, including a new model which incorporates local weather patterns, are discussed and compared. The problem of how to select the best signals from the available diversity replicas is investigated for both PSK and FM modulation schemes. A new technique is proposed for combining the effects of attenuation. and isolation into a single criterion for FM systems. The thesis considers methods for improving dual polarized site diversity system performance. Compensation schemes, coherent signal addition, and optimum site location are investigated. A compensation scheme using pilot tones is proposed. Finally, the performance of operational PSK and FM systems is simulated using data from a VPI & SU satellite beacon experiment. / M.S.