Optimizing Spacecraft Re-entry Communication: Plasma Electron Depletion Through Controlled Particulate Injection and Fresnel Coefficients Analysis

Abstract

The radio blackout phenomenon poses a significant challenge during hypersonic spacecraft re-entry, particularly due to its extended duration (several minutes). This study demonstrates the potential of solid dielectric particulate injection in the mitigation of the radio communication disruption between ground-based stations and spacecraft during re-entry. By examining the propagation dynamics of radio waves through the dusty plasma generated by particle injection and employing Fresnel’s formulas, the influence of dust particle number density and its size is investigated in a frequency range of 1–10 GHz. Additionally, the impact of the wave incident angle with the hypersonic shuttle’s nose surface on the radio wave propagation is studied.