LUNAR LTE: A Mathematical Path Loss Prediction Model for Shoemaker on Lunar South Pole

Abstract

This study presents the mathematical model development for the Shoemaker location on the lunar south pole. A 3D ray-tracing technique, executed through Wireless Insite software, was utilized for the simulation at the 3.5 GHz frequency band. The developed model was compared with an empirical SUI model. The path loss model's accuracy was characterized by Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Standard Deviation Error (SDE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE). The developed lunar model demonstrated RMSE values of 5.939 dB, 5.622 dB, 1.552 dB, 0.829 dB, and 4.17 dB for various scenarios, outperforming the empirical SUI model, which showed significantly higher errors. This comparison highlights the lunar model's improved predictive capability, offering reliable insights for future LTE-based communication systems on the Moon.