US ASAT (antisatellite): Do we need it. Research report

Technical Report · Mon May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1989

OSTI ID:6959236

Baker, J A

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.

• Research Organization: Air Univ., Maxwell AFB, AL (USA). Air War Coll.
• OSTI ID: 6959236
• Report Number(s): AD-A-217265/8/XAB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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& Legislation-- (1987-)
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
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98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL PROTECTION
ARMS CONTROL
ASIA
BALLISTIC MISSILE DEFENSE
DOCUMENT TYPES
EASTERN EUROPE
EQUIPMENT
EUROPE
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS
MILITARY EQUIPMENT
MILITARY STRATEGY
NATIONAL DEFENSE
NATIONAL SECURITY
NORTH AMERICA
POLITICAL ASPECTS
PROGRESS REPORT
SECURITY
SPACE WEAPONS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
USA
USSR