International Space Station may get laser cannon to vaporize orbital debris

The International Space Station (ISS) has been forced to alter trajectory numerous times over the years, but not for any scientific of logistical reason — it was necessary to avoid collisions with space junk. The day of simply stepping out of the way could be coming to an end, though. Researchers from Japan’s Riken Computational Astrophysics Laboratory have proposed a system that could blast dangerous space debris out of the sky before it comes close to the ISS.

International Space Station may get laser cannon to vaporize orbital debris




Seems like the weaponization of space is becoming more of a reality these days. All thought given the amount of debris and particulate matter we are responsible for launching into orbit the need for such a system seems logical. You thoughts please fellow members?

Space sharks?
With friken lasers?

a reply to: Phage

Jaws in space eh? I'm sure there is a movie idea in there somewhere.

a reply to: andy06shake

I'm just upset it's taken this long! I hope we get a live feed once it's up and operational.

a reply to: andy06shake

Pretty cool.
Wonder who gets to shoot it. It would be like the ultimate game of space invaders.

a reply to: ZeussusZ

More like Asteroids.
I was never any good at Asteroids.

a reply to: andy06shake

How are they hoping to obliterate a debris with a laser? Even with military grade equipment it takes an eternity...



And what if they point the thing at a satellite, not knowing it's not junk?



a reply to: Phage

Space sharks?
With friken lasers?

No. Not with lasers, but with "lasers".



You forgot the quotes...

a reply to: ZeussusZ

I imagine given the velocity and size of the debris that the system is designed to engage and destroy, targeting, discharge and the duration of the beam will all be computer controlled.

a reply to: swanne

Well i suppose any such device deployed in low earth orbit will not have to contend with atmospheric conditions associated with their sister land and sea variants, that could help with regards to potency.

I guess if they point and fire the thing at a satellite by mistake then they are going to need a new satellite.

shooting one object with a laser would create more objects once it disintegrates would it not ? Increasing the amount of junk around the earth ?

Changed name to "international death star"
Planet earth? Or is it Alderaan?

originally posted by: Phage
Space sharks?
With friken lasers?

You mean suicide bombers with friken lasers???

ISS will have a laser, yay!! Why am I shaking at the sound of it??

ISS = Islamic Space Station, lol!!!

I think they want to experiment with popping corn with a laser in space. They will use Jiffy Pop for their testing.

...and that's how to start a war with E.T.

Also how does this effect the treaty about not having weapons in space ? Or was it just nukes weren't allowed in space ?

a reply to: ThePeaceMaker

It's nuclear weapons that aren't allowed in space.

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: ThePeaceMaker

It's nuclear weapons that aren't allowed in space.

Thought so .. Thanks for the clarification

a reply to: ThePeaceMaker

My understanding was that the US and Soviets signed some form of agreement so as to not weaponize space. This type of system could quite possibly circumvent such treaty's by way of using any such device for safety purposes only. Not that i imagine they would stick to any such agreement and would indeed use the Laser for nefarious purposes.

www.state.gov...

originally posted by: ThePeaceMaker
Also how does this effect the treaty about not having weapons in space ? Or was it just nukes weren't allowed in space ?

I think that's just nukes.

Besides, if it is a tool used to clean up space debris, then is it still a weapon? An axe is sometimes a weapon, but in the hands of a firefighter, it would be called a tool.

Of course, it the firefight mentally snaps and starts killing people with his axe-tool rather than using it to save those people, then his axe is again a weapon.

a reply to: Soylent Green Is People

Ha good way of putting it