Another type of weapon module which could be added would be a moderate power radio frequency transmitter. Such a device could be utilized for jamming enemy radio links (EW) or for communications, including direct broadcast to Earth (DB). Many kinds of sensing devices could be used to perform surveillance and reconnaissance. These have all been lumped into a single entry in our matrix. Note that S&R" appears in both the "C3I" and "military support" columns. This is intended to indicate that sensors can provide either tactical or strategic information. Augmented manning includes both the operation of command posts and establish2 ment of troop bases. This differs from personnel employed in the various SPS C centers and in the living/working quarters because specially trained troops could be used to physically attack enemy spacecraft or space stations, boarding them to conduct inspections or to seize them. These troops could also be used for a variety of military support activities, including deployment, retrieval, maintenance, and repair (DRMR) of military space systems, and operation of military adapters installed aboard various civilian space systems. 3.6 Summary The Reference Design SPS, with no modifications, has some military support capabilities. These include transportation of military cargos and personnel between the surface of the Earth and high Earth orbit. The space transportation systems could also be used to support maintenance and repair of military spacecraft. The LEO base, the GEO base, and the power satellites can provide limited shelter, supplies, and services to military operations in space. The only overt threat posed by elements of the Reference Design is the seizure of satellites belonging to other nations, using unmodified vehicles belonging to the SPS. Weapons modules having tactical and strategic significance could be added to a Satellite Power System. The more significant military capabilites which could thus be added are as follows: a) A ballistic missile defense (ABM) system based on directed energy weapons (DEW’s), most likely high energy lasers. Depending on the rate of technological advance, such weapons might ultimately achieve the capability of neutralizing low-altitude aircraft and cruise missiles. Unilateral deployment of such a system could be considered provocative by
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTU5NjU0Mg==