Examining the Impacts of Atmospheric Temperature, Wind Speed and Atmospheric Moisture on Satellite Signal

Abstract

This study examined the impact of atmospheric temperature, wind speed, and atmospheric moisture on satellite signal strength in Galadima, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. The research was carried out to determine how variations in atmospheric conditions influence the quality and stability of satellite signal reception, using the frequency of 505.6 MHz. Experimental measurements were conducted hourly from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday, April 11, 2026, using portable atmospheric measuring instruments and a digital TV signal meter. The atmospheric temperature and relative humidity were measured using a digital thermo-hygrometer, while wind speed was measured using a handheld digital anemometer. The results showed that as the temperature and wind speed were increasing, there was a decrease in satellite signal. That is, an increase in temperature and wind speed will result in a reduction in signal strength. Also, the result showed that an increase in relative humidity will lead to an increase in satellite signal strength. This is also confirmed in the correlation analysis results, which show that the coefficient of correlation between the atmospheric temperature and satellite data or signal is -0.796, which means that when atmospheric temperature is increasing, there will be a decrease in the signal of the satellite; between the satellite data or signal and wind speed is -0.44, which means that when the speed of wind in the area increases, the satellite signal will be decreasing; and between the satellite signal and relative humidity is 0.714, which means that when the relative humidity is increasing, the satellite signal is also increasing. The study further revealed that atmospheric temperature had an inverse relationship with satellite signal strength, while relative humidity exhibited a direct relationship with signal reception quality. The findings of this study demonstrate the importance of atmospheric parameters in satellite signal or data quality studies and provide useful information for improving signal reliability under varying weather conditions. It was concluded that atmospheric temperature and atmospheric moisture (relative humidity) are the major atmospheric parameters affecting satellite signal propagation in the study area. The findings of this research are important for satellite communication planning, satellite data transmission, signal monitoring, and improving the reliability of wireless communication systems under changing atmospheric conditions.