Theoretical model output for different power spectral index. The data indicate amplitude scintillations on radio signals due to Martian irregularities.

Presence of electron density irregularities in the Earth ionosphere is known to us. When radio waves pass through such a irregular medium, phase fluctuations are imposed on them due to spatially varying refractive index. These phase fluctuations produce amplitude scintillations through phase mixing during their propagation. The severity of the degradation caused to incoming radio signal is given in terms of S4-index, which is a measure of strength of scintillation. The spatial scale of these irregularities play key role in deciding the strength of the scintillation. In case of Mars, the presence of ionospheric irregularities is confirmed by various observations. The role of different ionospheric ambient parameters in controlling the level of amplitude scintillation is assessed. Understanding the Martian ionosphere and its effects on the radio propagation is crucial for future Mars missions. The output of theoretical model is provided here for 50-400 MHz radio signals.