Home > Arguments > Active Defenses could Defend Satellites Against Attack

Active Defenses could Defend Satellites Against Attack (3536)

Countries can use active defenses like decoys or defensive satellites to protect their space assets from attack.

Can you improve on this argument text? Help develop this argument by editing and adding more information or click on one of the edit links below to add a counter, supporting, or related argument.
Flag this argument: [ What is this? ]

Supporting Arguments

[edit ]  [history ]
You can help improve this argument by adding a supporting argument.

Counter Arguments

[edit ]  [history ]
You can help improve this argument by adding a counterargument.

Parent Arguments

Related Arguments

[edit ]  [history ]
You can help improve this argument by adding a related argument.

Evidence

Satellites Could be Defended with Built-in Self-Defense Capability
 
The ability for a satellite to defend itself against an ASAT attack is a reasonable way to increase the survivability of a high-value space system. One method of self-defense would be to design a suite of optical or radar sensors and small, lightweight missiles into the satellite. Analysts estimate that employment of an on-board self-defense system would increase the total system cost by between ten and twenty percent of the total satellite cost. Alternatively, a small escort satellite carrying the same capabilities might be a more capable system, especially if the goal was to detect, track and intercept the ASAT while the primary satellite continued its mission. ( More ... )
Wilson, Tom. Threats to United States Space Capabilities. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Space Commission, 2001. [ 8 quotes ]
On-board Decoys could Defend Satellites from Attack
 
Decoys that credibly simulate the radar and optical signatures of the satellite are effective, potentially low-cost methods for diverting an ASAT attack from the actual satellite. The decoy would be located on or inside the host satellite and released at the precise moment for the most effective deployment. Decoys could also include lightweight optical or RF jamming systems to nullify or confuse an ASAT's homing system. Analysts estimate that employment of a decoy system would increase the total system cost by between one and ten percent of the total satellite cost. ( More ... )
Wilson, Tom. Threats to United States Space Capabilities. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Space Commission, 2001. [ 8 quotes ]