Worst-month tropospheric attenuation prediction: Application of a new approach

This contribution describes the application of MASP (Monthly Attenuation Statistics Prediction), a model for the calculation of monthly (and consequently worst-month) total tropospheric attenuation statistics (P(AT)wm), to the design of SatCom (Satellite Communication) systems. The paper presents a prediction example over a continental area (Africa), which is compared with the results obtained from an approach based on extending the applicability of recommendation ITU-R P.841 to the other tropospheric attenuation prediction methods of the ITU-R, in order to achieve total worst-month tropospheric attenuation. The assessment of the models' accuracy is performed against the measurements included in the global worst-month attenuation database made available by the ITU-R. The predictions over Africa achieved using MASP on monthly basis are shown as well to point out how this key information can be useful to fine tune SatCom system design and/or improve the overall system throughput (e.g. monthly reconfiguration of the power radiated over the service area).