Remote sensing via meteor trails

It is pointed out that the technique of using ionized meteor 'trails' to reflect (or re-radiate) radio signals in the VHF spectrum has been known for fifty years or more. This phenomenon is referred to as meteor burst communications (MBC). The use of these physical phenomena has been made both practical and useful as a result of the development of the microprocessor and other solid state devices during the 70's. Meteor burst communication systems are computers 'talking' to each other in short bursts during time periods of between about 50 milliseconds and several seconds. Voice and other continuous link requirements are not practical in MBC. Attention is given to fundamentals, signal characteristics, performance requirements, equipment, and system applications.