One of our research lines focuses on the analysis of propagation in lunar environments, both on the Moon’s surface and within its subsurface lava caves. For this purpose, we have different simulation tools, mainly Irregular Terrain Model (ITM) to estimate path loss and coverage over the lunar surface, and ray tracing to analyse propagation inside the caves. The effects of radiation pattern and polarization can also be analyzed.

The ray tracing model is being validated through measurements carried out in terrestrial analog lava tubes in Lanzarote (Canary Islands), Spain, in the framework of the project ‘Antennas for Underground Communications’. Results will be soon available.