This thesis reports the results of a thorough study into the effects of rain and ice on the polarization reuse technique for earth-space communications. Precipitation in the form of rain and ice leads to significant depolarization and attenuation of dual polarized signals above about 10 GHz. The depolarization versus attenuation relationship is examined in depth using a rigorous multiple scattering model. This relationship for rain is expressed in the form of a simple function similar to that used by the CCIR. Prediction accuracy using this simple model is quantified by comparisons to measured data and other model values. The impact of depolarization effects on the carrier-to-noise ratio for digital PSK systems is also addressed. Preliminary results for ice layer effects are presented. / Master of Science