Scattering cross sections of a space vehicle in compressible electron-ion plasma.

In the literature considerable data are available on back-scattering in vacuum from conducting bodies of various shapes. Recently some attempts have been made to evaluate radar cross sections of space vehicles in an electron plasma medium. In the present paper, a comprehensive formulation has been attempted and the scattered power as well as the scattering cross sections of a conducting cylindrical space vehicle. moving in a compressible two-component (electron-ion) plasma, have been evaluated for various modes. It is expected that the work presented here will be helpful in handling certain problems connected with radar returns from space vehicles and their tracking from other Earth-bound stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]