FREE-SPACE LOSS

Satellite Communications Glossary

Satellite Communications — Satellite propagation — Free-space loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Information on Free-space Loss

In satellite communications, free-space loss is the major loss suffered by signals in travelling over the Earth-satellite path. The loss is inversely proportional to the square of the distance travelled and inversely proportional to the square of the frequency used. That is, as the distance is doubled the received power is reduced by a factor of four. Similarly, as the frequency is doubled the received power is reduced by a factor of four. Free-space loss for geostationary satellite communications satellites varies between 190-210 dB depending on the frequency used.


Other topics in our resources on Satellite Communications related to Free-space loss include: 
 
  • Beam-spreading Loss
  • Polarisation Loss
  • Rayleigh fading
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  • Scintillation Loss
  • Atmospheric Absorption Loss
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  • Weather Loss
  • Doppler Effect

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