If any current U.S. space program deserves the name “Transformational,” its the Department of Defenses ambitious Transformational Satellite Communications System (TSAT) program. The aim of the program is to provide real-time, high bandwidth connections between military assets ships, planes, drones, units, even individual ground vehicles anywhere in the world, providing a critical component of network-centric warfare.
Unfortunately, “transformational” is a synonym for another word: risky. Estimates currently project that the program, when and if completed, will cost as much as $18 billion highlighting the program for close scrutiny from Congress.
But for this week, team TSAT can celebrate a success. In a test conducted in conjunction with MIT, Boeing & Ball Aerospace demonstrated the inter-satellite laser link (Boeing) and pointing system (Ball Aerospace). This laser link will ultimately provide the 40 gigabits per second backbone that connects the planned 5 satellites together, which are slated to be launched in 2013.
For more information, check out Defense Industry Dailys Special Report on TSAT.
– Ryan Caron, CDI
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I cant deny how cool lasers are, especially used like this. The aiming device is very very neat.
But what about the enemy? Is the sort-of-vacuum enough to keep the laser from dispersing? If not, then it may be captured. And what about just disabling a connection by blocking it with space debris?
Maybe some ultra-foam or a cloud of moving gas could be brought in the path of the laser with a small rocket, or something sticky over the satelite’s laser (or receiver), or some fabric. (nice cartoon idea btw)
TSAT is in a GEO orbit (22,000 miles up). So enemy access to them is hard to begin with. Laser pointing to other satellites is also hard, and would be even harder for the enemy to precisely position an object to block the beam. It would be much easier and less costly to just take out the entire satellite with an ASAT. Beam divergence in space is less than in atmosphere (no scattering off of air molecules)
Particle Beam Weapon would other some new
matter energy levels to Directed Energy Weapon.
http://www.p2pnet.net/story/12661