Abstract: A target homing optimized routing protocol over an aerial service gateway relay domain. A method of proactive routing comprising the steps of designating each node of a plurality of nodes within a mobile ad-hoc network as either one of a plurality of target homeport nodes, one of a plurality of comms-relay nodes, or one of a plurality of sensor nodes, initializing a target homing optimized protocol by propagating a plurality of route chains to each of the plurality of comms-relay nodes and each of the plurality of sensor nodes, maintaining the plurality of route chains at each of the plurality of nodes, wherein a plurality of routing tables, each associated with one of the plurality of nodes, comprises the plurality of route chains, generating sensor information at the plurality of sensor nodes, and selectively transmitting the sensor information to the plurality target homeport nodes along a primary route chain.