The Refraction Correction of Elevation Angle for the Mean Annual Global Reference Atmosphere

Abstract

In some frequency-sharing studies between fixed service and space radiocommunication services, including fixed-satellite, broadcasting-satellite, and space science services, it is necessary to estimate the apparent elevation angle of a space station, taking into account the atmospheric refraction. Recommendations ITU-R (International Telecommunication Union—Radiocommunication) P.834-9 and F.1333-1 detail similar methods regarding calculating the refraction correction for the elevation angle of the mean annual global reference atmosphere. Herein, both methods are approximated using the bending angle from the ground to the infinity height; this approach is most suitable for geosynchronous orbit satellites. In this paper, new methods for calculating the refraction correction for the elevation angle are proposed regarding the mean annual global reference atmosphere given in Recommendation ITU-R P.835-6. Specifically, the results of the ray-tracing method are fitted. The height of the new formulae is 100 km above sea level. For higher altitudes, correction methods are given based on free-space propagation. The proposed methods can be applied to the calculation of the refraction correction for the elevation of the mean annual global reference atmosphere for satellites at different orbital heights. Furthermore, these new methods compare favourably to the two ITU-R Recommendations.