Potential application of X-ray communication in Martian dust storm

X-ray communication (XCOM) is an advanced space-communication technology. The high penetration of X-ray enables XCOM to achieve lower signal attenuation than conventional optical communication in Martian dust storm. This study provided a demonstration of this approach based on simulation methods. The transmission properties of X-ray beams in Martian non-dust storm weather were evaluated based on the MCNP5 code. Results demonstrated that the X-ray beam can transmit through a long-distance in Martian atmosphere. Moreover, on the basis of the anomalous diffraction and Mie theory codes, the transmission properties of X-ray and optical links in Martian dust storm were evaluated. Results showed that the dust attenuation of the X-ray links were significantly lower than that of optical links. Moreover, the penetration and communication performance of X-ray links were evaluated and compared with the optical link, considering atmospheric and dust attenuation. Results indicated that XCOM can be used to establish a low-BER communication link between rovers, and from the rover to the orbiter, in Martian dust storm. •X-ray communication can provide high data-rate in Martian dust storms.•X-ray signals can transmit long-distance in the Martian atmosphere.•X-ray links have less dust attenuation and pulse distortion.•X-ray communication is expected to eliminate link interruption in dust storms.