Laser satellite constellations for strategic defense - an analytic model
Using mainly geometric reasoning, an analytic model is constructed that predicts the required characteristics of an orbiting constellation of laser battle stations, each of which is designed to destroy ballistic missiles during their boost phase. The geometry of the constellation configuration and some general aspects of the coverage problem are discussed. The determination of the absentee ratio falls into two main categories that depend upon whether the Soviet ICBM threat is concentrated at a single location or whether it is distributed as it is now. A point-threat model and a distributive threat model are considered, the determination of the respective kill rates for these models is discussed, and the scaling properties of the laser constellation with respect to a change in the quantitative nature of the two types of ICBM threats are considered.
- Research Organization:
- West Virginia Univ., Morgantown; Roosevelt Center for American Policy Studies, Washington, DC
- OSTI ID:
- 5473698
- Journal Information:
- J. Spacecr. Rockets; (United States), Vol. 24
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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