A Pentagon office is taking advantage of the collaborative nature of the Internet as it studies potential applications for space-based solar power, according to one of the officials leading the effort.
The Pentagon's National Security Space Office (NSSO) may begin a study in the near future on the possibility of using satellites to collect solar energy for use on Earth, according to Defense Department officials. The officials said the study does not mean that the military plans to demonstrate or deploy a space-based solar power constellation. However, as the Pentagon looks at a variety of alternative energy sources, this could be one possible method of supplying energy to troops in bases or on the battlefield, they said.
With U.S. military officials frustrated at the expense and time needed to build satellites, the Pentagon is fielding small satellites called TacSats that can be built faster and cheaper based on already mature technology.
The U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory is planning a small experimental satellite that would orbit in close proximity to a host spacecraft and keep tabs on their surrounding space environment. These experiments are controversial because these satellites could be used as anti-satellite weapons.
The U.S. Defense Department has launched a series of exercises designed to sharpen its understanding and management of counter-satellite operations, according to a recently released Pentagon document.
A U.S. Defense Department report says tests of space-based missile interceptors that could take place beginning in 2012 will create debris that could threaten the international space station, space shuttles and satellites in low Earth orbit.
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U.S. Navy Adm. James Ellis, commander of U.S. Strategic Command, argued recently that the U.S. military cannot afford to wait any longer before moving forward aggressively with new measures to defend its satellites from enemy attacks
U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld announced May 8 organizational changes designed to elevate the priority of U.S. military space programs, but would not say whether any increase in space spending is forthcoming.
Beefing up U.S. military space capabilities beyond what current budget projections permit would enhance the Pentagon's deterrent capabilities, a group of current and retired U.S. military officers said during a war game here. Potential adversaries would think twice about attempting to disrupt U.S. satellites if they knew there was plenty of backup capability available, officers said. In addition, the U.S. military could use its space systems to send subtle but clear warnings to its enemies, they said.