Atmospheric Effects on Signals

doi:10.1117/3.2249071.ch18

Book: Satellite Communications for the Nonspecialist

Author(s): Mark R. Chartrand

Published: 2004

https://doi.org/10.1117/3.2249071.ch18

Abstract

The atmosphere causes several serious negative effects upon radio signals, and these effects are very dependent on three things. The first factor is the frequency in use: some frequencies - the lower ones - are hardly affected; higher frequencies are greatly affected. The second factor is the elevation of the satellite as seen from the earthstation, which determines how much air the radio wave traverses. The third major factor is the climate of the location of the earthstation.