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How many orbiting lasers for boost-phase intercept?

Nature volume 315, pages 286–290 (1985)Cite this article

A constellation of laser battle stations in low Earth orbit could intercept intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in their boost phase. If such lasers are available decades hence, they will face fast-burn ICBMs and find their task more difficult. How difficult is shown by an elementary analysis taking into account laser retarget time.

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References

  1. Carter, Ashton, B., 1984, “Directed Energy Missile Defense in Space,” (99 pages), Background Paper of the Office of Technology Assessment, Congress of the United States (April, 1984).

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  1. IBM Thomas J. Watson Research Center, PO Box 218, Yorktown Heights, New York, New York, 10598, USA

    Richard L. Garwin

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  1. Richard L. Garwin
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Garwin, R. How many orbiting lasers for boost-phase intercept?. Nature 315, 286–290 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1038/315286a0

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