Military Implications of an SPS

Baggage and cargo inspection (BCI) would be an important preventive measure against sabotage of, or terrorism against, space-based SPS elements, analogous to current security practices in commercial airline operations. If operated by (or under the supervision of) the Resident Inspection Operation (RIO), BCI would also provide a safeguard against augmented military manning of SPS facilities. Ballistic missile defense (ABM) systems could be used by non-SPS nations to protect themselves from Earth-bombardment reentry vehicles based aboard SPS elements adapted for military purposes. In addition, such defenses might also be effective against Earth-launch vehicles converted into hypersonic bombers. Boobytraps (BT) may provide a deterrent against kidnapping or mutilation of unmanned satellites (SATNAP and SATMUT, respectively) or against boarding and takeover of manned facilities in space, although care would be required in their design to ensure that only illegal boarders could be injured by such systems. Dual key arrangements are similar to those used to control the launch of ICBMs. (Launch cannot occur until two individuals simultaneously turn keys in different locations.) Such techniques could be used to activate self-defense weapons. Similarly, switches wired in series could allow designated individuals to shut off the power beam ("veto privilege"). Such switches could be widely separated (e.g., one in space, one on the ground). Appropriate technological safeguards would, of course, be required to prevent tampering. Electronic countermeasures (ECM) would be used to counter electronic warfare and signal intelligence activities. Examples of such countermeasures are increasing transmitter power, changing the operating frequency of a transmitter, and the use of various "antijam" techniques such as spread spectrum modulation and frequency hopping. Encryption is a possible safeguard against SIGINT, especially COMINT. The various types of military support modules listed perform straightforward functions, and technological safeguards should be fairly effective. For example, navigation aids must emit radio signals to function. Thus, SIGINT could be used to detect their presence. Similarly, communications devices could be detected by SIGINT or, assuming they require moderate to large antennae, could be detected by optical means (LRSS). Even if military power beaming adapters were to be installed, dual key control of the main electrical power bus of the power satellite could effectively prevent misuse of the electrical power for military purposes. (This

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