Ionospheric influence on X-band radio signals

Abstract

We systematically study the possible effects of the ionosphere on radiowave propagation in the X-band. The quiet ionosphere and various types of ionosphere disturbance are considered. We place special emphasis on high latitudes. For the viewing geometry that we study, we find the worst case deviation 35-50 m, as long as the viewing angle is no more than 65° from nadir. The polarisation, or phase, is modified by less than 0.03° by the complete path transmitterreceiver.