Simple rain attenuation prediction method for satellite radio links

The desirable features of a rain attenuation prediction method to be used in satellite radio link engineering are established, and a method satisfying such features is proposed. The method is tested over 77 satellite links situated in Europe, the USA, Japan, and Australia. Comparisons are made with the International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR) method (CCIR, vol.V, Report 564, XVI Plenary Assembly, Dubrovnik, 1986). Using the worldwide coefficients for the links located in Australia there results a marked overestimation and a poor accuracy. This situation does not occur for the links located in Europe, the USA, and Japan, which are in temperate climates. The method's limitation is related to low rain intensities in satellite links having low elevation angle.<
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