4 ms·
>matching orbits You don't need to match orbits, for kinetic satellite weapons. You just need to change to an orbit that directly intersects, or comes close en
by beerandt 5y ago
>matching orbits
You don't need to match orbits, for kinetic satellite weapons. You just need to change to an orbit that directly intersects, or comes close enough to it at some point to launch a daughter projectile.
For a kinetic vehicle, matching orbits actually decreases the net kill energy.
You want a head-on train wreck, not a following-too-close fender bender.
- Retric 5y agoI don’t disagree, I was referring to why this was a bad idea: “The problem is that any satellite that can maneuver itself very close to another one, and may have small arms or probes to physically interact with its target, is inherently capable of being a weapon.” If your anti satellite weapon is in orbit you just wasted a lot of energy getting it there.