Atmospheric attenuation of the Ku band along the space-earth path due to clouds and rain.

Abstract

The weather conditions formed in troposphere causes the greatest signal attenuation in satellite communication systems especially at frequencies above 10 GHz. This paper describes possible signal attenuations on the satellite-earth path due to rain and clouds. It was measured whether it is advantageous to use the Ku band for data transmission over other bands. The measurement was carried out in the Czech Republic using a beacon signal from Eutelsat 12W satellite at 12.5 GHz. Clouds and the rainfall rate at the measured location were obtained from the CHMI portal. The measurements show that the clouds cause negligible attenuation. Significant attenuation was caused by rainfall. The measured values of slant path rain show a significant decrease in signal strength even in light rain. The measured cumulative rainfall rate was found to be close to the ITU-R model. The measurements show that the Ku band is advantageous for data transmission in rain poorer regions including Central Europe.