Extrapolation of rain attenuation probability distributions from fixed to mobile satellite communication systems: first results

Experiments or feasibility studies are being carried out to design future mobile satellite communication systems in the 20-30 GHz or 40-50 GHz frequency bands. If the outage probability tolerated for these mobile systems is 10_-2 or smaller, then rain attenuation must be considered in system design. Rain attenuation statistics measured, or predicted, for fixed terminals cannot be applied, as they are, to mobile terminals. The latter experience the same attenuation but different fade durations and rates of change, because of the relative motion between them and rainstorms. As a consequence, long term probability distributions, fade durations and rates of change of attenuation all change in a way to be assessed through simulations or experiments. The authors address this issue and show results of simulations using the synthetic storm technique to generate both fixed and mobile systems rain attenuation probability distributions at 19.77 GHz (Olympus frequency beacon) in a 30.6° slant path, as a function of different parameters