Streetfighter, Theater Missile Defense, and Space Blockade, A Marriage Made for the Heavens
Abstract
This paper will discuss the increasing likelihood of an attack in the form of a high-altitude nuclear detonation. It will address orbital dynamics and nuclear phenomenology, our vulnerabilities to such effects, the probable impact on our satellite assets, military forces, and civil infrastructure and preventative radiation hardening methods. Also presented is the continued threat from the proliferation of missiles and nuclear weapons, collaborations of "rogue" States and terrorist groups and the resultant growing potential for nuclear terrorism. This paper will discuss a hypothetical North Korea scenario to highlight regional attack potentials and will also proffer an historical comparison of the impact of new technology and its penchant to increase both critical strengths and critical vulnerabilities. Last, as a small portion of what must be a significantly more encompassing ultimate solution, a suggestion will be made for the structuring of Naval TMD assets to obtain the maximum active defensive capability against high-altitude nuclear attack.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 08, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA378518
Entities
People
- Steven Buckley
Organizations
- Naval War College