A computer model for estimating microwave propagation characteristics along Earth-space paths in the 1-100 GHz range

A comprehensive, integrated, and transportable software package for the analysis of digital satellite links is presented. The most notable feature of this software is the inclusion of sophisticated models for attenuation and noise sources. The attenuation-source model takes into account losses due to rain, clouds, wet radomes, and multipath fading, as well as atmospheric absorption, defocusing, and scintillation. The noise-source model considers the radio noise due to the above absorptive losses, as well as extraterrestrial and man-made noise. Together, these models provide a fairly accurate representation of microwave propagation characteristics as they relate to satellite links. The software itself is designed to maximize the user´s efficiency and minimize confusion. Menus are used extensively to guide the user through the program, and the use of prompting and input validity checking ensure the accuracy of all data entries. Color displays are used to present the data in an organized, easy-to-read format