8.2 Modern Space Weapons: Technical Possibilities and Limitations
761
1. Significant linear dimensions (currently—dozens of meters), which complicates
re-targeting, reduces the rate of fire and increases the vulnerability of SBS;
2. Excessive mass of the power system.
8.2.2.4 Problems of Ensuring Reliability of Functioning of the Missile
Defense Space Layer
As demonstrated in papers [1, 3], the task of destruction of ballistic missiles
(throughout the entire trajectory of their flight) and spacecrafts of the enemy as
well as ground targets suggests taking a great number of basic elements of the space
missile defence layer to near-Earth orbits. These elements include both weapons and
their components (e.g., reflecting mirror of ground-based laser units) and various
means of detection, target designation, control, power supply, protection missiles,
etc.
The main component of a space defense layer is the so-called battle platforms, or
space battle stations (SBS).
Therefore, these stations, as well as other components of the space layer of missile
defense listed above, shall meet the following basic requirements depending on their
purpose:
– The ability to stay in the orbit in working condition for a long time, have extremely
high reliability and high rate of action;
– Be equipped with the necessary onboard resources throughout the time of
operation (for automatic components) or have an active system of resource
replenishment (for SBS);
– Have reliable hardware and software protection from any (both random and
deliberate) effects of various character impairing their workability;
– Ensure reliable, constant, and highly protected connection to all other space and
ground elements of the missile defense system.
It should be said that these requirements and accompanying technical problems were
known earlier in the field of scientific and commercial satellites; however, these
requirements increase immensely with the launch of various weapons into space,
placement of these weapons on platforms, and their operation.
Moreover, the role of electronics (especially microwave electronics) increases in
these components many times.
Reliability of operation is indeed one of the most important factors for these
components of ground and space missile defense layers.
However, in case with space weapon systems, it is necessary to consider its two
components separately: technical reliability and operational (combat) reliability.
Technical reliability determines the life of the SBS in the main (stationary) mode
of combat duty. It is clear that it is impossible to repair faulty or depleted electronic
parts and units on the orbit quickly, cheaply, and without affecting performance of
this component of the layer as well as the entire space defense layer.
761
1. Significant linear dimensions (currently—dozens of meters), which complicates
re-targeting, reduces the rate of fire and increases the vulnerability of SBS;
2. Excessive mass of the power system.
8.2.2.4 Problems of Ensuring Reliability of Functioning of the Missile
Defense Space Layer
As demonstrated in papers [1, 3], the task of destruction of ballistic missiles
(throughout the entire trajectory of their flight) and spacecrafts of the enemy as
well as ground targets suggests taking a great number of basic elements of the space
missile defence layer to near-Earth orbits. These elements include both weapons and
their components (e.g., reflecting mirror of ground-based laser units) and various
means of detection, target designation, control, power supply, protection missiles,
etc.
The main component of a space defense layer is the so-called battle platforms, or
space battle stations (SBS).
Therefore, these stations, as well as other components of the space layer of missile
defense listed above, shall meet the following basic requirements depending on their
purpose:
– The ability to stay in the orbit in working condition for a long time, have extremely
high reliability and high rate of action;
– Be equipped with the necessary onboard resources throughout the time of
operation (for automatic components) or have an active system of resource
replenishment (for SBS);
– Have reliable hardware and software protection from any (both random and
deliberate) effects of various character impairing their workability;
– Ensure reliable, constant, and highly protected connection to all other space and
ground elements of the missile defense system.
It should be said that these requirements and accompanying technical problems were
known earlier in the field of scientific and commercial satellites; however, these
requirements increase immensely with the launch of various weapons into space,
placement of these weapons on platforms, and their operation.
Moreover, the role of electronics (especially microwave electronics) increases in
these components many times.
Reliability of operation is indeed one of the most important factors for these
components of ground and space missile defense layers.
However, in case with space weapon systems, it is necessary to consider its two
components separately: technical reliability and operational (combat) reliability.
Technical reliability determines the life of the SBS in the main (stationary) mode
of combat duty. It is clear that it is impossible to repair faulty or depleted electronic
parts and units on the orbit quickly, cheaply, and without affecting performance of
this component of the layer as well as the entire space defense layer.