Overview of the space-based laser (SBL) program

James F. Riker

doi:10.1117/12.469772

4 June 2002 Overview of the space-based laser (SBL) program

James F. Riker

Proceedings Volume 4632, Laser and Beam Control Technologies; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.469772
Event: High-Power Lasers and Applications, 2002, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

The Space Based Laser (SBL) program is concerned with both near-term feasibility of space lasers and also the desired operational capability for a robust SBL constellation. For the near term system, we have defined an Integrated Flight Experiment (IFX) that will integrate a high power laser device, a beam control system, and a large beam director, performing a lethal engagement against a boosting missile in the 2010-2014 time period. For the operational system, the program was conducted its Affordability and Architecture Study (AAS) for Dr. Jacques Gansler (former USD(AT&L)). We arrived at a particular set of solutions for a prescribed threat. These solutions include both pure SBL constellations and also combinations of SBL satellites and space-based relay mirrors (SBM). We also considered Air Borne Lasers (ABL) and Ground Based lasers (GBL) as complements to the SBL and SBM. In this paper, we describe the current status of both the IFX program, which is the principal recipient of current funding, and also a nascent SBL Technology program to address the needs of the operational system. For the technology program, we analyzed the specific technology areas we need to develop in order to realize the most pay off for operational SBL systems.

Citation Download Citation

James F. Riker "Overview of the space-based laser (SBL) program", Proc. SPIE 4632, Laser and Beam Control Technologies, (4 June 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.469772

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available

Members: $17.00

Non-members: $21.00 ADD TO CART

PROCEEDINGS
6 PAGES

DOWNLOAD PAPER SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

GET CITATION

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

Get copyright permission Get copyright permission on Copyright Marketplace

KEYWORDS

Space based lasers

Missiles

Space operations

Control systems

Laser applications

Beam controllers

Weapons

Show All Keywords

Keywords/Phrases

Search In:

Publication Years