It would be possible to increase the energy density on target and thus improve weapon capability by equipping the antenna with higher frequency transmitting units to be used during the weapon mode. Figure 3.2 is a plot of gain (G) in peak power on target versus frequency. (Curve is normalized to 2.45 GHz.) Assuming equal efficiency, power on target (using the I-km diameter antenna structure) can be increased by a factor of 100, for example, by increasing the transmitting frequency to 24.50 GHz.— This would reduce beam diameter by a factor of 10, but would decrease figure tolerances, and also decrease the track error allowed by factors of 10. The smaller, higher frequency transmitting units incorporating electronic scan would handle less power and thus would have to be used in greater numbers than the 2.45-GHz units, and the finer figure tolerances would be expected to require a beefed-up antenna structure. The increased number of transmit modules will result in more complex phasing circuits and the refined tracking accuracy will require more sophisticated track circuits and pointing controls. During operation in the weapon mode, power from the array would be switched from the 2.45- GHz klystrons to the higher frequency transmit units. These additions and modifications to the 2.45-GHz MPTS would increase its weight and cost significantly. From the foregoing analysis, it appears that the microwave system operating at 2.45 GHz would be relatively ineffective as an energy-beaming weapon, whereas use of shorter wavelength transmitting units and the large I-km diameter antenna would provide marginally effective results. The cost for either design based on weapon effectiveness probably would be prohibitive, except that with an operating SPS, a large part of the required equipment is already in place. Further study of the weapon potential of the MPTS is needed to identify specifically the feasibility issues and to estimate cost deltas. 3.1.1.2.2 Base for Weapons/Military Operations The SPS satellite’s location at GEO, its size, and the electric power that probably will be available at the site could make it an excellent location for a lookout post and for the deployment of energy-intensive weapons. However, for the lookout function to have greatest value, the satellite must be stationed over the right areas. Stationing such a satellite over the Indian Ocean near the U.S.S.R. or adjacent to other adversary nations without benefit of previous mutual agreements, would likely be provocative. An SPS in GEO used as a base for weapons, Higher frequencies also should oe practical.
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