Evaluation of deep space Ka-band data transfer using radiometeorological forecast models

Deep space exploration is aimed at acquiring information about the solar system and a significant communication capacity has to be planned for such very large distances. The concept of the RadioMeteorological Operations Planner technique (RadioMetOP) is described together with its main modelling components and objectives. Numerical results, in terms of received frame data using a statistical estimation methodology, is also illustrated using the BepiColombo mission as a baseline example. Preliminary results, using raingauge data and radiometeorological forecast simulations, are discussed taking the fully-adaptive bit-rate test case as a benchmark.