Space Radio Science: (Earth Space Institute Book Series)

Space Radio Science deals with the theory and practice of space communications with Earth's satellites and interplanetary probes, interstellar radio communications in our galaxy, and the effects of gravitational fields on propagating radio waves. The text describes a method of radio occultation used to monitor planetary atmosphere and ionosphere. The author considers remote sensing of circumsolar and interplanetary plasmas, as well as of the Earth and other planets in the solar system. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of radiophysical problems and methods, as well as the benefits of various spacecraft and radio signals. It looks at problems such as gravitational pull and its effect on the propagation of radio waves. This monograph is ideal for radio-physicists, engineers and students in space radiophysics, remote sensing, propagation of radio waves and space communications.

Table of Contents:
Preface. I: Radio Wave Propagation in Communications to Earth-Orbiting Satellites. Propagation of Free Radio Waves. Absorption and Fluctuations of Meter Radio Waves in the Ionoshere. Attenuation and Fluctuations of Centi- and Millimeter Radio Waves in the Troposphere. Refraction of Radio Waves. Time Delay of Radio Signals in the Atmosphere and Ionosphere. Phase Fluctuations of Radio Signals in the Ionosphere and Troposphere. Effect of the Atmosphere Ionosphere on Radio Frequency. Techniques for Monitoring the Earth's Ionosphere with Satellite Signals. References. II: Investigations of Planetary Atmospheres and Ionospheres by the Radio Occulation Technique. Direct Problem of the Radio Occultation Investigations of Planetary Atmospheres and Ionospheres. Inverse Problems of the Radio Occultation Investigations of Planetary Atmospheres and Ionospheres. Radio Occultation Investigations of the Martian and Venusian Atmospheres and Ionospheres. Investigations of the Earth's Atmosphere and Ionosphere by the Radio Occultation Technique. Radio Occultation Investigations of Giant Planets. Some Radio Occultation Data on the Plasmas of Minor Bodies in the Solar System. References. III: Radio Sounding of the Circumsolar and Interplanetary Plasma. Radio Wave Time Delay and Electron Density Distribution in Plasma. Refraction and Frequency Shift in the Circumsolar Plasma. Faraday Effect. Autocorrelation Functions of the Amplitude and Phase Fluctuations of Radio Waves. Amplitude Fluctuations of Radio Waves and Plasma Inhomogeneties. Phase Fluctuations of Radio Waves. Frequency Fluctuations and Spectral Line Broadening. Investigation of the Solar Wind by Radio Sounding Methods. References. IV: Radar Observations of Planets and Asteroids. General Relations. Reflection of Radio Waves from a Sphere. Scattering of Radio Waves from a Rough Surface. Backscattering of Radio Waves from Planets and Asteroids. Reflection of Radio Waves in Bistatic Remote Sensing. Side-Looking Radar Technique for Studying Planetary Surfaces. References. V: Conditions of Radio Communications in Space. Conditions of Radio Communications in the Solar System. Radio Communications and Propagation of Radio Waves in the Galaxy. Propagation of Radio Waves in Gravitational Fields. References. Subject Index.