Anti-Satellite Weapons, Arms Control Options, and the Military Use of Space.

Abstract

The report addresses antisatellite weaponry (AS AT), its utility, and approaches to its control. It discusses AS AT means and missions in the context of three political-military scenarios: limited superpower engagement in the Third World; a NATO region crisis or conflict; and nuclear war. In light of the scenario analyses and an assessment of the interaction between AS AT and ballistic missile defense technology, and report presents a net assessment of the cost s and benefits of deploying and controlling AS AT and other space-based and space-directed weapons. It reviews several approaches to AS At arms control and assesses negotiability & verification issues associated wit each: banning dedicated direct attack AS AT means; banning tests of such systems; capping AS At capabilities at one current type apiece (with or without concurrent AS AT test bans); and a ban on AS AT use (a rules of the road agreement). Keywords: Antisatellite weapons, Arms control, Ballistic missile defense, Space defense, Verification.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1984
Accession Number
ADA183730

Entities

People

  • William J. Durch

Organizations

  • Harvard University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Apogees
  • Control Systems
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Directed Energy Weapons
  • Electronic Countermeasures
  • Geography
  • Optical Detectors
  • Payload
  • Reconnaissance Satellites
  • Space Objects
  • Space Systems
  • Space Transportation
  • Spacecraft
  • Spacecraft Orbits
  • Warning Systems
  • Weapons Effects

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Strategic Security Studies

Technology Areas

  • Space