The idea of lasers use as satellite killers is not new. The problem is how to create high-power lasers that can operate at the orbital trajectory. Another problem is how to remove debris from the orbiter. The satellite killers are based on the new ideas to remove space junk from orbiters.
The same systems that are used to remove space junk can be used in wartime to push enemy satellites to the ocean. The other version is to use EMP impulses to shut down enemy satellites. This system is required for removing EMP or FOBS (Fractional Orbital Bombardment System) weapons from the orbiter. Also, it can destroy low-flying recon satellites pushing them into the atmosphere. There is suspicion that FOBS is a so-called sleeping satellite, equipped with a nuclear warhead.
In some other models, satellites can use tiny soft ammunition that can push the targeted satellites to the atmosphere without destroying them. In some other versions robot connects small balloons to satellites, and then the laser detonates those balloons to push the satellite out from its trajectory. There could be some marking system in a satellite. That tells if there is a malfunction. And it must removed from space.
There are plans for the Flying recycle bin or junk collect spacecraft can take those non-operational satellites out of the orbiter. The spacecraft just pulls the targeted satellite in it. And then it returns to the ground. This helps to keep classified military satellites secretive. And the crew can analyze if there are attempts to affect that satellite.
In the future, there can be service robots at orbiters whose mission is to connect small rockets to satellites that are not operational anymore. Then those small rockets can push satellites to the Pacific Ocean.
In some visions, the satellite operators must leave a small fuel dose to the satellite, so that they can push them into the atmosphere. Another vision is that satellites can be equipped with heat shields and satellites, and they would return to the ground using parachutes. That allows us to use those systems to analyze the cosmic radiation effect on microchips. And then a normal recycling center can recycle those satellites.
The idea of this kind of thing is not to destroy satellites. Or this kind of lasers will not put them into pieces. The idea is that a laser system can push a satellite or another space junk into the atmosphere. The high-accurate laser ray can hit a hole in the satellite's fuel tank.
And leaking fuel pushes satellites into the atmosphere. The laser that makes this operation can be ground-based. The mirror that is above the orbital trajectory can aim the ground-based laser at the target, and then reflect laser ray into the targeted satellite.
https://www.freethink.com/space/space-junk-fusion
https://thehill.com/opinion/national-security/578797-the-return-of-fobs-china-moves-the-space-arms-race-into-the-nuclear
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fractional_Orbital_Bombardment_System
Comments
Post a Comment