Antisatellite Weapons and Satellite Deployment Strategies.

Abstract

Space is becoming a more and more likely arena for future combat. The strength of future US antisatellite capabilities and the survivability of US satellites will determine if space power supports US national security, The study evaluates the oft stated conclusion that ASATs destabilize superpower relations. The study concludes that the actual sources of instability are the weaknesses in current US military space strategy. These weaknesses are (1) failure to deploy ASAT systems and (2) continued reliance on a small number of highly vulnerable, complex, multipurpose satellites. Deployment of a US ASAT and a move to a more survivable satellite deployment strategy--suggestive of current Soviet practices--will be stabilizing influences in superpower relations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA195014

Entities

People

  • Randall W. Chapman

Organizations

  • Air Command and Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Command And Control
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Lasers
  • Military Operations
  • Military Organizations
  • National Security
  • Reconnaissance
  • Space Control Operations
  • Space Systems
  • Strategic Defense Initiative
  • Surveillance
  • United States
  • Warfare
  • Weapon Control

Readers

  • International Relations and Conflict Resolution
  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites