Calculating Path Loss for Stratospheric Channels During High Solar Activity

Beginning with the development of 6th generation (6G) networks, it is widely accepted that high-speed and wide coverage communications, which have been targeted for many years, will be achieved through the development and deployment of High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) systems. In this study, we investigate the effect of high solar activity on HAPS to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite channel models. Considering the effects of high solar activity on the attenuation of electromagnetic waves propagating through the ionosphere of HAPS-LEO satellite channels, it is expected that these effects may be non-negligible. This study presents comparative results of path loss analyses for high and low solar activity using the same model. A mathematical expression for the loss through the ionosphere is written using the Appleton-Hartree model. The effects of electron density and collision frequency on path loss are analyzed. Comprehensive numerical results are provided for specified frequency bands.