Table 1-1. SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES IDENTIFIED IN PREVIOUS STUDIES REAL OR PERCEIVED THREATS SPS AS A WEAPON Power for beam weapons used as ABM Power for beam weapons used as ASAT Power for beam weapons used as incendiary device Microwave beam used as psychological weapon against enemy troops Microwave beam used to disable or degrade enemy satellites by overheating Microwave beam used for hostile weather modification SPS AS A SUPPORT SYSTEM Power for remote military installations Power for other military satellites Laser power transmission to allow military aircraft indefinite loiter times at high altitudes SPS as platform for: Manned inspection of other satellites Repair and maintenance of military satellites Advanced sensor systems for surveillance and early warning Alternate communications channels using laser or microwave power transmission beams Advanced military navigations sytsems Electronic jamming techniques Meteorological, geographic, and geological mapping ELF communications link to submarines Civilian use of SPS power to free up portable fuels for military use REAL OR PERCEIVED VULNERABILITIES Sabotage during on-orbit assembly phase Sabotage during orbital operations Sensitivity of solar cells to radiation from nuclear explosives Sensitivity of life support systems for personnel on SPS to overt military assault Seizure of control of pilot beam by insurgency or sabotage at receiver array on the ground Disruption of pilot or control signals by insugency or sabotage Rectenna becomes a key military target in time of war RF interference with enemy military systems may provide excuse for action against SPS in time of hostilities SAFEGUARDS Hardening of critical electronic components Self-defense of satellite segment by beam weapons Internationalization of entire program
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