Ku & Ka Band Propagation Impairments

Several trends now conspire to promote the development of wide band satellite services. There appears to be real demand for fast and flexible distribution of multimedia-type content, such as via the internet, which requires access to greater capacity. To support new services like Broadcast and Multicast of Digital Content, Voice and Telephony Networks, Data Communications, Mobile and Personal Communications, Broadband Internet, ATM Services, and proposed High Altitude Platforms (HAPS) has led to the use of higher-frequency bands-Ku band (11 to14 GHz), Ka band (20 to 30 GHz), Q band (40 to 50 GHz), V band (60 to 80 GHz). Also the merging of telecommunication and computer technologies has led to a high demand for data communications to support various services such as the internet, very-small-aperture terminal (VSAT) systems and direct broadcasting services. These services require a higher speed and higher quality of data transmission systems with more efficiency and more reliability. Utilisation of higher frequency bands such as the Ku and Ka band for satellite communications provides a number of important benefits.