Space laser engagement to defeat satellites

Abstract

As new threats arise in orbit, military forces need to protect their most valuable satellites. MBDA's long term vision is to offer reactive military capabilities in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) enabling the delivery of graduated military effects against threats to high-value assets. Technical solutions must be compatible with a lawful & responsible use of space. In such context, potential effectors include High-Energy Lasers (HEL). The lack of real-world data on potential satellite vulnerabilities against HEL led MBDA to develop new testing capabilities to provide representative environments and technologies at laboratory scale. The objective is to provide quantitative responses to be able to dimension the effector with on-board energy, laser power and engagement characteristics. This effort is supporting the development of technologies enabling neutralisation of loworbit threats while ensuring in-orbit safety and weapon assurance. MBDA and ALPhANOV operate a common test facility called the Vulnerability Test Facility (VTF), enabling the reproduction of realistic engagement conditions. The continuous improvement and implementation of its experimental capabilities leads to the enrichment of an experimental vulnerability database of all kinds of threats subject to Laser Directed Energy Weapons (LDEW).