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Ionospheric Transmission Losses Associated with Mars-orbiting RadarsThere are a number of obstacles to radar sounding of the deep Martian subsurface from orbit, including signal losses from the medium conductivity, layer reflective losses, and ground clutter. Another adverse process is signal loss as radio waves propagate through the ionospheric plasma medium. The ionosphere is a plasma consisting of free electrons, ions and neutrals that can effectively damp/attenuate radar signals via electrodneutral collisions. The effect is most severe for transmissions at lower frequencies, which, unfortunately, are also favorable transmissions for deep penetration into the subsurface.
Document ID
20050161970
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Farrell, W. M.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
February 10, 2005
Publication Information
Publication: Workshop on Radar Investigations of Planetary and Terrestrial Environments
Subject Category
Communications And Radar
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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