Meteor burst communications. I. Meteor burst propagation

Meteor burst communication systems are introduced with emphasis placed on the unusual propagation mode which they employ. The origin of meteors and their trails is reviewed and the trail characteristics relevant to communication systems described. The restriction on scattering geometries for viable transmission paths is explained and the related footprint and hot-spot properties of meteor burst systems outlined. Meteor burst transmission loss is formulated in the conventional way as a modified bistatic radar equation and the origins of the modifying factor qualitatively explained. Meteor burst equipment, operating principles and applications are also briefly discussed. Finally, important quantities for assessing the performance of meteor burst systems are defined and typical values quoted