Propagation Analysis Inside Lunar Caves

Abstract

Lunar caves, formed from cooled lava tubes, remain a major enigma in Moon exploration. As potential future habitats for human settlements, these caves will initially be explored by a network of robots. The analysis of radio wave propagation between exploratory robots is then necessary to optimize communications within these underground environments. In this work, we use a ray tracing tool to perform a preliminary analysis of radio wave behavior in these conditions. In addition, we provide an experimental validation of the proposed tool based on the measurements performed in analogous terrestrial caves. The results prove to be a good starting point to extend the analysis to other situations, such as the existence of bends or inclined ground.