Path Loss Analysis of Terahertz Communication in Mars' Atmospheric Conditions

There has been much focus on the potential for wireless links that use THz frequencies. Despite their theoretical advantages, the very high channel path loss here on Earth presents practical challenges. This paper compares the path loss performance of THz links in atmospheric gas compositions and environmental conditions on Mars and Earth. Simulations using data from the Mars Climate Database and HITRAN indicate that conditions on Mars ensure that path loss between surface-based transceivers is reduced compared to Earth. Greater effective transmission distances for THz can be achieved on Mars: at frequencies of 1.67 THz and 1.64 THz, the transmission distance is 60–70 times longer than Earth. However, severe dust storms that are common on Mars can increase path loss, so the maximum transmission distance reduces by 1–2 orders of magnitude during such storms. Some of this additional path loss can be reduced by raising antennas higher above the ground and by configuring antennas to suit different usage scenarios.