The Effects of the Atmospheric Medium on Wireless Link Operating in the Millimeter Wavelengths and Terahertz Frequencies

This study presents an analytical framework for evaluating the cumulative effects of attenuation, phase dispersion, and group delay in millimeter and sub-millimeter wave propagation from Earth to space, particularly in the Extremely High Frequencies (EHF) (30 \text{GHz}-300 GHz) band. These frequencies enable ultra-wideband communication and high-resolution remote sensing but are strongly influenced by meteorological phenomena. Analyses described in the study are based on cumulative levels calculated by the Millimeter-Wave Propagation Model (MPM) with a non-uniform atmospheric refractivity profile to account for altitude-dependent signal degradation. Atmospheric absorption, water vapor scattering, fog, clouds, precipitation, and air pressure variations strongly affect the cumulative attenuation, phase distortion, and timing delays, impacting link budget performance. The influence of meteorological factors is most pronounced in the lower atmospheric layers, where humidity and precipitation induce significant variations. However, these effects may persist at higher altitudes under anomalous conditions. This refined methodology advances our understanding of high-frequency communication constraints and provides a robust foundation for optimizing wireless links, enhancing their resilience across diverse environmental conditions.