Denial of Access With increased use by the military of space-based systems, a dependence has been created. In turn, this dependence has led to fears that an aggressor nation "deny access to such systems.” Development of the limited anti-satellite (ASAT) capability by the Soviets has jeopardized ’’the heretofore accepted sanctuary of space," and now requires the "ability to protect satellites in space" as fundamental "to defending the right of the United States and its allies to use of space (Q) to achieve military advantage." Secretary of Defense Harold Brown^^ also has testified to Congress that: As the President has clearly stated, it would be preferable for both sides to join in on an effective, and adequately verifiable ban on antisatellite (ASAT) systems; we certainly have no desire to engage in a space weapons race. However, the Soviets with their present capability are leaving us with little choice. Because of our growing dependence on space systems we can hardly permit them to have a dominant position in the ASAT realm. Soviet ASAT capabilities, although still unable to reach geostationary orbit, have produced studies by the U.S. military to develop special maneuvers for future military satellites once in orbit to avert anti-satellites. These maneuvers would avert satellites that are capable of (a) using pulverized aluminum particles to form a "smokescreen," protecting a satellite from laser beams; (b) increasing U.S. knowledge of the effects of pulsed laser radiation on solar cells and sensors; (c) using alternative power generation for spacecraft instead of vulnerable solar cells and solar cell panels; and (d) renewing emphasis on radiation hardening of delicate electronic payloads to counter possible high-altitude or space-environment nuclear explosions. The implications of verifying the results of these studies would include adding weight to military payloads, pushing their weight to the upper limit of Space Shuttle carrying capacity. Investigations are now underway to upgrade the Space Shuttle, allowing for heavier-than-expected cargo. Public Support for the Space Peace/War Potential A Hudson Institute study has stated that fear of being second in space competition produces a number of social effects. According to the report, war remains of paramount concern to the American public. Support of U.S. space activity has been greatest when there was a linkage between the Cold War and space competition. However, the report cautions that events, such as the launching of the first satellite, the Soviet Sputnik I, resulted in a tendency of the public
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