2007-06-22 04:51:56 · 10 answers · asked by Señor Spok 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
I believe the technology is already here and has been tested by at least one country (China).
2007-06-22 05:03:44 · answer #1 · answered by harold. 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The United States Air Force has experimented with using lasers combined with high-altitude airships as a potential means for a missile defense shield but also as a means to destroy enemy spacecraft or satellites in low-earth orbit. For more information, see Evolutionary Air and Space Global Laser Engagement. According to a 2005 report issued by the Pentagon, China is developing a laser that could blind low Earth orbit satellites.
2007-06-22 05:04:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
So far the only successful ASAT weapons we know about are missiles. However, I'm sure it's possible. Lasers are being built to shoot down ballistic missiles (see the air force's Airborne Laser), so I'm sure we could shoot down a satellite with one.
2007-06-22 04:57:32 · answer #3 · answered by Gretch 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'm specific if transportable lasers become effective sufficient, the government will initiate regulating them for that reason. And gun rights people will protest. there'll in all likelihood be some compromise comparable to what exists now. Lasers of a undeniable ability would be allowed. each "shot" could have a defined length of time for each push of the button, etc.
2016-11-07 05:17:40 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Powerful lasers sure can, their high temperature laser light can destroy them.
2007-06-22 04:56:09 · answer #5 · answered by Robert R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can -- especially if they're satelite-mounted, themselves. You don't get any refraction between the platform and target when there's no air between.
However, we've already got missiles that can take out low-orbit satellites.
2007-06-22 06:08:40 · answer #6 · answered by Privratnik 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it could, and furthermore military satellite info has a minimum 16 year classified status so there may already be a few in orbit
2007-06-22 05:35:15 · answer #7 · answered by eyesinthedrk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to blow away the whole satillite, just blind it. Anything with a sensitive camera is easily attacked with lasers.
2007-06-22 06:04:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Theoretically yes if you can actually deliver the energy. Where the scientists are on that aspect is anyones guess.
2007-06-22 04:56:43 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yea, a CO2 laser can become so insanly powerful that if you switched it on, the earths atmosphere would instantly disappear.....and we all die =] so dont switch it on
2007-06-22 04:59:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋