The Challenge of Tracking a Mach 20 Aircraft

Wait until you try to track a Mach-33 craft, which exceeds escape velocity...

If the link above to "communications are lost" doesn't work (it fails for me) try this link.

When will the 'Disney version' appear...?

Need to use geostationary sats - if possible.

At these velocities the shock-wave that is accompanying the craft is partially ionized ä plasma.

Plasmas are conductive and thus shield any (?) electromagnetic waves by absorption or reflection.

Any instability in the flight path or angle of attitude will change the plasma parameters and thus block the communication in an otherwise open "window".

Plasmas can oscillate at very many resonances, so measuring, exciting and modulating these oscillations may be a way through the difficulties.

RHABE

If a conducting plasma is formed by the shock wave at the leading edges is it correct to assume that this will be conical? If this is correct does this mean that the plasma does not enclose the aircraft completely. Can the transmitted signals be received from behind the plasma cone?

Can you exceed the plasma frequency using optical rather than RF or is the scatter and turbulance too great?

Conical: mostly yes. And at high velocities the angle is very narrow.

But some severe plasma turbulences enclosing the tail too.

Optical communication may be one working solution, but as the plasma has a visible glow and this is changing with the excitation situation of the plasma and with the excited molecules there may be a problem of finding a permanent open window. Or to design a multi wavelength communication system.

RHABE

What do you mean by responding to any threats around the globe, and what threats are we talking about?

Spencer.

The imaginary threats are the most common.

The ones caused by our our nose in somebody else business are next.