An Evaluation of Link Performance Based on Rainfall Attenuation for a LEO Communication Satellite Constellation Over Africa

TL;DR

This study evaluates rainfall-induced signal attenuation for a LEO satellite system over Africa using ITU models and satellite data, identifying optimal ground stations and link margins for reliable communication.

Contribution

It applies the ITU-R P.618-8 model with satellite rainfall data to assess link performance for LEO systems over Africa, providing a methodology for station selection and link margin estimation.

Findings

Identified the best ground station for LEO communication over Africa.

Quantified attenuation levels at various unavailability times.

Determined optimal link margin for reliable communication.

Abstract

In this paper, we apply the ITU-R P.618-8 model with data from the ITU-R P.837-7, Tropical Rain Measuring Mission (TRMM) and Global Precipitation Mission (GPM) satellite to determine the level of attenuation and available link margin for a LEO system such as Telesat. The specific and predicted attenuation for chosen six candidate ground stations (Abuja, Hartbeesthoek, Cairo, Longonot, Port Louis and Praia) is computed and results presented for 0.001%-1% unavailability time in a year. Setting a link margin of 0.36dB, the available link margin and the best candidate ground station for a LEO system such as Telesat is determined. The approach used can be implemented for other potential ground stations and LEO communication systems over Africa.