Weather detection using satellite communication signals

摘要

Disclosed is a satellite weather detection system that uses atmospheric precipitation density data. Subscribers detect the signal strength and signal-to-noise ratio of signals that are transmitted from the satellite. Upstream transmit power data is also collected, which is needed to achieve a given SNR at a gateway. The values of the downstream signal strength and signal-to-noise ratio data as well as the upstream transmit power data are normalized and compared with current atmospheric data. The data can be color coded and graphically displayed to show weather patterns. Location and velocity of high precipitation density cells can be tracked to predict movement of storms.