ACTS propagation experiment: attenuation distribution observations and prediction model comparisons

Empirical cumulative distribution functions for satellite-to-ground path attenuation relative to clear-sky values were compiled for 22 path years of data collected by the ACTS propagation experiment. These statistics are for two frequencies, 20.2 and 27.5 GHz, with elevation angles ranging 8-52°, latitudes ranging 28-65°, and five different rain-rate climate regions. The attenuation estimation accuracy was better than 0.3 dB. The availability of the equipment for making measurements was higher than 90% for 18 of 22 path years of observation. The empirical distribution functions were compared with predicted cumulative distribution functions generated by four different attenuation-prediction models: the model recommended by the radiocommunications sector of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU-R); the Dissanayake, Allnutt, and Haidara (DAH) rain-attenuation model; and the Crane-Global and Crane-Two Component models when combined with three different rain-rate distribution prediction models: the ITU-R model the Crane-Global model and the Rice-Holmberg model. On the basis of the expected differences between model predictions and experimental measurements, the only attenuation model that provided acceptable predictions was the DAH model when combined with either the Crane-Global rain-zone model or the Rice-Holmberg rain-race model. A major problem in interpreting the results of the model-versus-measurement comparison is the unmodeled contribution of water on the surface of the ACTS propagation terminal antenna reflector