Measurements of Forward Scattering Characteristics of Lunar Regolith for Radio Propagation Analysis

The authors aim to deploy mobile communication technologies, such as 5G, 6G, and beyond on the lunar surface to support future lunar habitation projects, including the Artemis Basecamp initiative. The primary goal of this research is to clarify the radio propagation characteristics that might be specific to the lunar environment. We have previously published the measured reflection coefficients and diffraction characteristics of a lunar regolith simulant, showing similarities between the reflection coefficient of lunar regolith and dry concrete, and suggesting that diffracted waves can facilitate non-line-of-sight communication. Here, we finally present the third characteristic, i.e., the forward scattering characteristics measured using the NRL Arch Method, indicating that the forward scattering at 28GHz of the lunar regolith simulant is more significant for V-polarization compared to H-polarization. Besides the level of side lobes near the main lobe for H-pol. is smaller, and no back scattering observed compared to V-pol.