Effect of Gas Attenuation Prediction Models at Ota, Southwest Nigeria

The demand for satellite services is rapidly increasing on a daily basis. One of the major concern for satellite telecommunication designer is the impacts of gas attenuation on earth-space path link, most importantly in tropical areas.This research has been directed on the analysis and comparison of gas attenuation prediction models at Covenant University, Ota,southwest Nigeria (Lat: 6.7 oN, Long: 3.23 oE). Gas attenuation data were collected from spectrum analyzer and Davis automatic weather station for a period offive years (April 2012- December 2016) from Astra 2E/2F/2G Satellite link set at an elevation angle of 59.9oon 12.245 GHz. The monthly gas attenuation were analysed and compared with existing gas attenuation prediction models that could provide guide to microwave propagation engineers in the tropical region.The results suggest that even during clear-sky, gas attenuation still pose a threat to the design of satellite communication on earth-space path. Therefore, ITU-R model may be more accurate for modelling gas attenuation for the region. Hence, the statistics provided in this work will help engineers in planning and designing good telecommunication systems in the tropical region.