3.2.2.1 . C3I Adapters for SPS. Various electronic devices could be attached to SPS elements to facilitate communications relays, both ground-to-space and space-to- space. The ability to relay communications between spacecraft would be particularly useful for communicating in a covert manner with silent satellites, using a tightly focused laser beam. The SPS element could then relay the signals down to Earth. Similarly, adapters could be provided for wide area broadcast to earth to disseminate propaganda. Active sensors (such as radars and lidars*) or passive sensors (which could be used to obtain optical and/or infrared imagery or to detect radio and microwave signals emitted by space-based and ground-based military transmitters) could be readily added to SPS elements. Such sensors could perform surveillance of both space and Earth for the purpose of attack warning, tracking of spacecraft, tracking of vehicles on the Earth’s surface or in the Earth’s atmosphere, and gathering of electronic intelligence. 3.2.2.2 C3I Missions for a SPS with Military Enhancements. Table 3-3 lists the possible military missions or uses of various C3I devices and facilities. Command 2 and control (C ) consists primarily of receiving sensor data, making decisions based on that data, and communicating the results of these decisions to other units which will execute suitable responses. These functions are typically performed in a command post where decisionmakers have access to data processing equipment and communications equipment. Most elements of the SPS system will have some sort of command center to direct local operations and to perform space traffic control in their immediate vicinity. Such command centers thus could be used readily to perform military command and control functions. Various types of sensor technologies can be used for surveillance and reconnaissance. All current sensing methods utilize some type of electromagnetic phenomenon. Optical and infrared systems (telescopes, cameras, and lidars) can be used to look at objects in space, as well as to view objects located upon the Earth from a space platform. Various types of radio receivers and radars are also widely used for S&R. *Just as "radar” is an acronym for RAdio Direction And Range finder, so "lidar" is an acronym for Light Direction And Range finder which uses a laser beam (usually infrared to avoid visual detection of its use) to track targets.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==