Various elements of the SPS system could be modified to enable them to serve as navigational aids by installing beacons or transponders. Such aids could support the operations of spacecraft, aircraft, ships, and land vehicles. In addition, they could be used for in-flight trajectory updates for ballistic and cruise missiles. In contrast to modifying the SPS for force delivery, the addition of military support modules to the SPS would be easier, making these adaptions more likely. 3.3 Institutional Threats Table 3-5 lists possible institutional threats which could be implemented using SPS elements. We note that institutional threats are based upon a real or perceived capability to deliver some type of force. For example, a government could not threaten a credible blockade of an enemy space station unless it possessed a demonstrated (or at least credible) antisatellite capability such as an HEL, a PBW, or an 01. Obviously, such weapons would be necessary to prevent enemy spacecraft from running the blockade and reaching the blockaded space station. Table 3-5. Institutional Threats POSSIBLE THREAT DEVICE/METHOD Blockade HEL, PBW, 01 Direct broadcast (DB) RF transmitters Denial of power Pilot beam shutoff, power satellite shutdown by command Theft of power Divert power beam Military presence Station troops at LEO base or GEO base Second strike DEWs, RV launchers Survivability of decision- Install military command post on SPS makers
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