Ionization blackout occurs during a space shuttle's reentry due to extreme heat, which ionizes surrounding atoms and blocks radio waves. Rocketeers have explored various solutions, including using different frequencies above the plasma frequency, but these have not been widely implemented, suggesting feasibility issues. The tracking and data relay system has been developed to mitigate this problem by creating a signal path through the ionized air, utilizing the shuttle's shape. Despite the challenges, this system effectively maintains communication during critical reentry phases. Overall, while solutions exist, they are complex and not universally adopted.
