Prediction of attenuation on satellite-earth links in the European region

A new method for predicting attenuation on satellite-earth links is applied throughout the European region. Sources of long-term point rainfall data required for the method are identified, and the approach to compiling a rainfall intensity database is described (including conversion techniques for integration time, which are developed and tested). A technique for predicting effective rain height from available meteorological data, which takes into account seasonal and climatic dependencies, is also described and evaluated. Finally, the method is applied to the prediction of attenuation at arbitrary sites in the European region and to the production of contour maps of attenuation for specific satellites. The values predicted at 33 European sites with available attenuation data from the COST 205 programme show excellent agreement, and give lower errors than other methods.