Could a space-based laser destroy a target that is entering Earth's atmosphere?

Question

Just wondering whether the ionized gases that surround e.g. the Shuttle during the ionization blackout stage of re-entry would also affect a laser being fired at said Shuttle, and if so to what extent.

Just wondering whether the ionized gases that surround e.g. the Shuttle during the ionization blackout stage of re-entry would also affect a laser being fired at said Shuttle, and if so to what extent.

Any ball-park figures (e.g. %) for how much the ionized gases would affect a laser?

Answer 1

Given a large enough laser, anything could be destoyed during entry.

Answer 2

For a laser to damage a target, enough of the laser power must get to the target to heat it. If the target is reflective, the damage is reduced. If the target is surrounded by an opaque shield, the damage is reduced.

The ionized gases that surround an object entering the Earth's atmosphere are not very opaque and not at all reflective at most laser frequencies. (At radio frequencies they are reflective.) So if the laser were powerful enough to do damage, that damage would not be reduced very much by the surrounding gas.

Some of the proposed space defense initiative (Star Wars) lasers are actually X-ray lasers powered by nuclear bombs. The X-rays would get through for sure.

Answer 3

With enough energy and a good tracking device. We are far from this level of sophistication though. Even with the technology it will not be easy to destroy many types of objects like an iron core asteroid may present more of a challenge than an icy comet.

Answer 4

its possible that shooting an laser at an astroid might break the astroid up into smaller peices and can cause more damage by raining rocks

Answer 5

Works for Captain Kirk - have you tried asking Scottie..?

Answer 6

it is possible if the laser is very strong and concentrated.