The utility of meteor burst communications

The author explores the future utility of meteor-burst or meteor-scatter communications, a way of transmitting low-power very-high-frequency (VHF) signals over long distances during the brief life of a meteor trail. He suggests that meteor-burst communications using frequencies from 30 to 300 MHz could be the combat radio of the future. These communications could provide the same low power, weight, and cost as today´s short-range combat net radios, while providing extended range communications and less susceptibility to jamming and intercept. He notes that the brief burst signal and unique natural time-sharing of the communications paths provided by meteor trains could help alleviate crowding of the HF/VHF spectrum