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This review paper examines experimental measurements of cross polarization on satellite-earth paths, the identification of ice-crystal depolarization as a major source of cochannel interference, and theoretical explanations for these phenomena reported in the literature. It is shown that the various analyses of ice-crystal depolarization in the literature produce identical results, provided the coordinate axes are adequately reconciled. Formulas are given from which the expected ice-depolarization levels may be calculated for any ice-crystal orientation, degree of alignment, polarization angle, and elevation angle. The implications of ice-crystal depolarization for satellite communication system design are discussed.