A channel model for the propagation of X-band radio waves through the solar corona

Abstract

Spacecraft communication systems operating at X-band are strongly affected when the propagation path passes close to the sun (characterised by the Sun-Earth-Probe, SEP, angle). In this paper, a channel model that can generate a time-series of signal amplitude and phase is presented. The channel model reproduces the observations well for SEP>2° and, with some caveats, works at smaller values of SEP. © 2017 Institution of Engineering and Technology. All rights reserved.