military applications. Like any other space based activity, the use of the ET is available for both civilian and military uses. Both activities will likely take place in the near future. A. Military Space Station Several advantages exist in the use of the ET as a military space station. The primary advantages being large size, easy expandability, and low cost. The same capabilities mentioned in previous sections of low cost commercial space stations apply equally well to military stations. These stations can serve as separate bases from which DOD satellites can be launched, retrieved, repaired, or deactivated. The previously mentioned possible on-orbit storage of spares also allows a military operator to quickly replace a satellite that has stopped functioning for whatever reason. This response time advantage will be a military advantage in future conflicts. The possible use of the ET as a hangar or a battle station allows concealment and suprise in the use of military assets on orbit. The ACC also provides a space for the launching of large diameter mirrors which could be used as space based high energy weapons (25, 56). These would also take advantage of the ease of launching an ACC payload and therefore be more responsive to future needs. There are other possible military uses for a ET based space station. The first one is a space-borne equivalent of the Coast Guard. The search and rescue aspects of the coast guard mission are well known and similar type role can be filled by a military station. An important consideration may be based on international military activities. The Soviet Union and the United States are involved in the SARSAT program which includes five active spacecraft so far. There is no reason why this could not be extended to manned military (or civilian) systems as well. The second concerns on-orbit inspection and deactivation of other satellites. There has been a proposed spaceplane that can serve this mission (25). The spaceplane could be based out of an ET adapted station. It makes far more sense to do this with a small manned spacecraft than it does with an orbiter. Another use of a manned station could be the military conduct of orbital surveillance, photography, communications, and new systems experimentation and development. For example, the military roles and missions currently practiced on the Salyut can be practiced on a ET based military station.
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