Everyone’s Launching Satellites

By Charlie

The Germans and the Chinese seem to be making some gains in the quest for the final frontier:

German Spy Satellite Launches Into Space

Chinese Satellite Heading for Lunar Orbit Showcases Ambitious Space Program

I wanted to mention this because the enormous technological advantages that the US military enjoys are due in part to our early mastery of space technology. Satellites provide imagery, GPS ability, communication, and have become the cornerstone of US ground, naval, and air operations in all military theatres. So here’s a question: what if you could pluck one or two enemy satellites out of the sky?

That concept is the 21st century equivalent of calling artillery on a battlefield command post: it disrupts the flow of information, intelligence, orders, and command and control of subordinate units.

However, that brings me to this story in the WaPo:

Space Defense Program Gets Extra Funding

While wrestling with wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Pentagon is preparing weapons to fight the next battle from space, according to information in the 621-page, House-Senate conference report on the fiscal 2008 defense appropriations bill.
The $459 billion bill, which awaits President Bush's signature, provides $100 million for a new "prompt global strike" program that could deliver a conventional, precision-guided warhead anywhere in the world within two hours. …
Conferees added $100 million above the Bush administration's request for nearly $200 million to accelerate "space situational awareness." That is code for protecting U.S. satellites in space and being able to attack the enemy's satellites.

"Counterspace systems" that would warn of impending threats to U.S. satellites, destroy or defend against attackers, and interrupt enemy satellites are in the Bush budget for $53 million. Conferees gave them another $10 million.

Another $18 million would go for research into a second-generation counter-satellite-communications system; it would explore and develop capabilities "to provide disruption of satellite communications signals in response to U.S. Strategic Command requirements," …

Part of the funding will also go toward work on integrating this system, which detects enemy threats to U.S. satellites, with the offensive counterspace and counter-satellite-communications programs. …

Protecting our technological edge (even in space) is complimentary to our efforts in the war on terror. I remember that each time I look at my GPS and get an accurate grid.

November 23, 2007 02:13 PM Tech

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Comments

But it's sad in a way. All the money spend on space based weapons means we don't get to spend money ont he manned space program-and in the long term that;s a mistake. Every American should be more than a little angry that we went to the moon and stopped. By now there should have been a base there, a couple of space stations and a new shuttle.

That's what mankind is supposed to be doing-instead of worry about useless Muslims.

Skippy-san · November 23, 2007 03:39 PM

What ever happened to the ASAT missle system we used on the F-15??

mustang · November 23, 2007 04:33 PM