Military Implications of an SPS

WEAPON TARGET PERIOD REMARKS RF transmitter Spacecraft N EW only. RF sensors Spacecraft RF emanations N SIGINT collection. Capabilities depend on receiver sensitivity at the desired frequency and on signal processing capability. Optical/infrared sensors Spacecraft N Surveillance and reconnaissance. (Resolution depends on range and detector sensitivity.) Radars, lidars Spacecraft N Surveillance, reconnaissance, tracking. Maximum range is a function of transmitter power, receiver sensitivity, and target size. RF/laser comm. Spacecraft N Military communications Space bases used as support Non-specific M Shelter, services, supplies, docking platform, power Space bases used for functions Non-speci fic M Alternate command post Space bases used for CBW support People M but I(?) CBW labs could be constructed. Such orbital CBW labs may or may not offer advantages over ground-based labs. We are unable to assess their feasibility. SPS Spacecraft I Effective shadowing of enemy spacecraft precluded due to relative orbital motion. SPS used as support Non-specific F Electrical power at GEO, relay to LEO or high altitude aircraft. OTV used as support Non-snecific M Transport of troops and materiel. OTV Spacecraft M but I Inspection. OTV Spacecraft I SATNAP, SATMUT. Propellant is not a limiting factor. Booby trans and self-defense devices make such actions too risky to be credible. TABLE 3-8. SPACE-TO-SPACE THREATS (continued)

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