Propagation modeling and fade mitigation for Ka-band satellite systems

Propagation impairments produced by the troposphere are a limiting factor for the effective use of the 20/30 GHz frequency band. Most of the proposed Ka-band satellite systems aim to use smaller earth terminals for consumer and small business applications. Smaller terminals, in general, do not allow for sufficient in-built link margin to combat propagation related outages. In this context, reliable prediction of propagation impairments and techniques for the mitigation of these impairments become important. This paper details models that can be used to predict Ka-band propagation impairments and several techniques which have the potential for mitigating such impairments.