Prediction methods for rain attenuation statistics at variable path angles and carrier frequencies between 13 and 100 Ghz

Fade depth and space diversity statistics of propagation along earth-satellite paths have been calculated from radar reflectivity data of rain using modeling procedures. The reflectivity data base was obtained during the summer of 1973 at Wallops Island, Va., using a high resolution band radar interfaced with a computer and digital processing system. Fade statistics have been calculated for various path angles at several frequencies between 13 and 100 GHz. Subsequent analysis has demonstrated the ability to predict the following: 1) fade statistics at other path elevation angles given similar type statistics at a particular path angle, 2) space diversity statistics at other frequencies, given similar type statistics at a particular frequency, and 3) fade statistics at a third frequency given similar type statistics at two other frequencies. Although a specific data base was used pertaining to the climatology at Wallops Island, the techniques developed are general and may be applied to existing or future "fade measurements" at other climatological locations.