Weather effects mitigation at Ka band by using radiometeorological model forecast in deep space downlinks

Authors: M. Biscarini , F. S. Marzano , M. Montopoli , L. Iess , K. De Sanctis , S. Di Fabio , M. Montagna , M. Mercolino , M. Lanucara

Source: FERMAT, Volume 13, Communication 11, Sept.-Oct., 2016


Abstract: : Deep space exploration missions are aimed at acquiring information about the solar system and a significant communication capacity has to be planned to transfer data for such very large distances [1]. Terrestrial atmospheric impairments on the space-to-Earth propagating signal are the major responsible for the signal degradation thus reducing the channel temporal availability [2]-[4]. In this work weather forecast models, coupled with microphysically-oriented radiopropagation models, are described in order to evaluate atmospheric effects at Ka-band. Estimation data return techniques are summarized and numerical results in a simulated operational scenario are illustrated in terms of received data volume using the BepiColombo mission as a baseline example.

Index Terms: Ka-band, weather forecast, radiopropagation


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Weather effects mitigation at Ka band by using radiometeorological model forecast in deep space downlinks