Cloud attenuation modelling for SHF and EHF applications

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Abstract
Tropospheric propagation impairments that affect earth–space communication signals increase in severity with the increase of frequency. Introduction of satellite services using higher frequency bands such as Ka‐ and V‐band requires the characterization of propagation factors that are normally considered negligible at lower frequency bands. Cloud attenuation is considered one such factor. Clouds are present during a large fraction of an average year and cloud attenuation, together with gaseous absorption, will determine the system performance under non‐rainy conditions. A cloud attenuation model that has global applicability is presented in this paper. The model is based on average properties of four cloud types and their occurrence probabilities. The occurrence probabilities are derived from long‐term observations of cloud cover carried out by several thousand meteorological stations throughout the world. Predictions made with the model are compared with cloud attenuation data gathered using Ka‐band beacon signals and radiometers. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.