Meteoroid orbital characteristics by radar surveilence

H.F. radars are a powerful diagnostic for examining the orbits and spatial characteristics of the dust-meteoroid complex. Data on those properties are essential in realistic studies of the dynamics of small bodies in the solar system. An outline is here presented of the various programmes and their techniques employed in radar operations over the last 40 years. The particular value and contribution of radar facilities and comparisons with other methods is emphasised. Some of the features of the only current routine survey are discussed and, to illustrate to power of the system, examples of the types of data presentation are given.