A U. S. ASAT (Antisatellite): Do We Need It

Abstract

Remarks on some historical aspects in the development of antisatellite (ASAT) weapons within the United States and the Soviet Union introduce a brief discussion of the current status of ASAT development within the U.S. The vital importance of space systems for U.S. strategic and tactical interests is described, followed by a treatment of the Soviet military space threat to those interests -- setting the stage for an in-depth review of U.S. ASAT policy issues. The author addresses several of the outstanding issues, questions, and concerns about ASAT, including its appropriateness, military essentiality, impact on arms control, and its close relationship with Ballistic Missile Defense initiatives. The purpose is to highlight the diversity and significance of the issues concerning ASAT development and to demonstrate the importance these issues have on current and future U.S. military space policy. Keywords: Antisatellite defense systems; Antimissile defense systems.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1989
Accession Number
ADA217265

Entities

People

  • Joe A. Baker

Organizations

  • Air War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Anti-Ballistic Missiles
  • Apogees
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Ballistic Missiles
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Conventional Warfare
  • Directed Energy Weapons
  • Elliptical Orbits
  • Military Satellites
  • Navigation
  • Navigation Satellites
  • Reconnaissance Satellites
  • Space Objects
  • Strategic Defense Initiative
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union
  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space