Electromagnetic propagation of GPR signals in Martian subsurface scenarios including material losses and scattering

A study on the electromagnetic propagation in various models of the Martian subsurface is performed with a relevance to ground penetrating radar (GPR) operating onboard rover missions. Measurements of the electromagnetic properties of Mars soil simulants are obtained; on this basis, the attenuation features of the GPR signals are estimated, including both electric and magnetic losses. The effect on propagation of inhomogeneities inside the soil is also taken into account by means of a specific model with randomly distributed scatterers. The GPR performance in terms of resolution and maximum penetration depth is evaluated in the considered scenarios for different operating frequencies, thus providing a basic information for the design of systems for future subsurface sounding investigations on Mars. Index Terms--Attenuation, electromagnetic propagation, ground penetrating radar (GPR), Mars, scattering.