Group-Path Delays in the Trans-Ionospheric Radio Wave Propagation Derived from TEC

Abstract

The total electron content measurements made at Waltair (17.7°N, 83.3°E) by measuring the Faraday Rotation of the 136.1123 MHz Radio Beacon from the ETS-II geostationary satellite have been used to derive the range errors introduced by the ionosphere due to the group path delays of radio waves in trans-ionospheric communication systems. Corrections for oblique incidence propagation were also outlined. The mathematical relations used in the present study have been derived and the experiment is described. Diurnal and seasonal variations of the group-path delays are studied.

Indexing terms:

• TEC
• Phasemeter
• Group path delay
• Range error