This contribution outlines the scenario of the expected atmospheric impairments, which affect a satellite radio link operating in the W band, as derived by the present theoretical and experimental knowledge. The paper discusses the contributions to signal fade due to gases, clouds, scintillation and rain (with emphasis also on the impact of the hydrometeor size distribution), as well as to the depolarization of the electromagnetic waves. The main objective is to assess the constraints to face in the design of a satellite telecommunication system operating in the W band. Copyright (C) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.