Simulation of plasma thruster effects on communications signals

Summary form only given, as follows. Hall type thrusters are an excellent fuel-efficient alternative to conventional chemical thrusters and are in development for stationkeeping of geosynchronous satellites. Because of the compact design of satellites and a possible side plume, the thruster's plasma plume is likely to be in the line of sight of the antennas on board even if the thruster axis is not. This may result in refraction of the signal from its intended path. We have developed a ray-tracing program, called BeamServer, which simulates various effects of the plasma plume on an antenna power pattern. The code uses geometric optics to launch a set of rays through a plasma region; the rays continue to an exit plane where the plasma is no longer present. At the exit plane, a radiation integral is used to produce the far field power pattern of the incident rays. A reflector antenna can be simulated by using a point source and defining a conducting surface.