Space Wave Propagation: Communicating Beyond the Horizon
by Yuvi K - December 17, 2023
What Is Space Wave Propagation?
Space wave propagation is a method of communication that allows for long distance and beyond-the-horizon communication of radio waves. It involves building up an antennae array and boosting the signal that is sent via air or ground waves, bouncing it off the ionosphere, to reach desired neighbouring places. Space wave propagation utilizes propagation of radio signals through the ionosphere to propagate signals from one point to another, even beyond the horizon.
The ionosphere is a layer of the atmosphere, usually located around 60-90 km above the Earth’s surface. It consists of particles of electrically charged gas called ions, which can refract, or bend, radio signals back towards Earth. This allows signals to be transmitted and received over long distances. In space wave propagation, an array of multiple antennae is used to transmit a signal. This ensures that even if the signal is refracted towards the upper ionosphere, it can still reach its target destination by ‘bouncing’ off the ionosphere.
Advantages of Space Wave Propagation
Space wave propagation is a reliable, low-cost form of communication that is widely used for long-distance communication, especially for Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint applications in defence, medical, and telecommunication services. Moreover, it is also used for disaster mitigation, as it can be used to broadcast warnings and provide real-time updates.
Some of its salient advantages include:
- Cost Effective: Space wave propagation is an economical form of communication and is used in many cost-sensitive applications.
- Flexibility: Space wave propagation uses an array of multiple antennae, thereby providing better flexibility in positioning the antennas, resulting in higher coverage and improved signal reception.
- Easy Installation: Space wave propagation systems can be easily installed and are relatively easy to maintain.
- Long Range: Space wave propagation can enable communication over very long distances(500 to 800 km) and beyond-the-horizon, making it ideal for Point-to-Multipoint and Point-to-Point applications.
Applications of Space Wave Propagation
Some of the common applications of space wave propagation include:
| Sector | Application |
|---|---|
| Defence | For long-range communication and surveillance. |
| Medical | For providing real-time updates to medical personnel during emergency situations. |
| Aviation | For providing navigation and communication for aircraft. |
| Telecommunication | For providing long-range and reliable wireless communication. |
Conclusion
Space wave propagation is a cost-effective, reliable, and dependable form of communication that can be used for broadcasting, surveillance, and telecommunication-related applications. It allows for long-distance communication over distances of 500 to 800 km. It can also be used for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint applications. Space wave propagation is easy to install and maintain. It is used widely in defence, aviation, medical, and other related services.
So, if you’re looking for a reliable and cost-effective way of communicating long distances, beyond the horizon, then space wave propagation is the best solution for you.
