Phase delay and differential attenuation due to rain in large phased array antennas for deep-space communications at 32 GHz

We report simulated statistics (average and RMS) of the phase delay and attenuation, due to rain, that can be measured in phased array antennas with elements spaced in the range 500~2250 m, at 32 GHz, in 31° elevation paths. The phase delay can be larger than that tolerated in deep-space communication. Phase delay and attenuation due to rain can reduce the overall array gain. The results could be useful for tracking geostationary satellites in clusters.