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AGU: Radio Science

 

Keywords

  • ionospheric propagation
  • space and satellite communication
  • waves in plasma

Index Terms

  • Radio Science: Radio wave propagation
  • Radio Science: Space and satellite communication
  • Radio Science: Instruments and techniques
  • Space Weather: Ionospheric effects on radio waves
Abstract
Cited By (0)
 

Abstract

Influence of the thermosphere on electromagnetic waves propagation: Application to GPS signal

Jean Lilensten

Laboratoire de Planetologie de Grenoble, Batiment D de Physique, Grenoble, France

Philippe Delorme

Laboratoire de Planetologie de Grenoble, Batiment D de Physique, Grenoble, France

Sophie Samouillan

Laboratoire de Planetologie de Grenoble, Batiment D de Physique, Grenoble, France

Elodie Engel

Laboratoire de Planetologie de Grenoble, Batiment D de Physique, Grenoble, France

Mathieu Barthélémy

Laboratoire de Planetologie de Grenoble, Batiment D de Physique, Grenoble, France

We develop a model of wave propagation through the upper atmosphere taking into account the thermospheric collision frequencies and the Faraday rotation. We use this model to numerically test the effect of these collisions on the Global Positioning System (GPS) signal between 50 and 1000 km altitude. We study several characteristics of the GPS wave: ionospheric delay, dephasing, and variation of amplitude. We point out that the thermosphere influence is negligible, about 10−9 m on ionospheric delay, and may be considered as negligible on shorter-frequency waves. This study is extended to satellite-to-satellite communications both for quiet and magnetic storm cases. In this case the influence on the wave is greater but remains very weak.

Received 4 March 2004; accepted 17 November 2004; published 5 April 2005.

Citation: Lilensten, J., P. Delorme, S. Samouillan, E. Engel, and M. Barthélémy (2005), Influence of the thermosphere on electromagnetic waves propagation: Application to GPS signal, Radio Sci., 40, RS2005, doi:10.1029/2004RS003057.

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