This paper, tutorial in nature, describes the effort of many investigators who have and still are conducting channel measurements and modeling for land mobile satellite communications. Various channel measurement results, ranging from ultrahigh frequency to Ka-band, are given. Many statistical channel models and simplified models that have been developed are referred to. Some of the models are applicable to geostationary and nongeostationary communications satellites. A statistical model developed by Loo (1985) is described in detail, as well as its extension to modeling land mobile satellite communications at Ka-band. This was accomplished by including a Gaussian probability density function to account for weather conditions. Also, practical computer-generated statistical channel models are given. These computer models should facilitate the estimation of performance of satellite communications systems.